Seasonal and annual variations in earthworm consumption by wild boar ( <i>Sus</i> <i>scrofa</i> <i>scrofa</i> L.)

Abstract

We investigated the annual and monthly patterns of earthworm consumption by wild boar in the Maurienne valley (Alps, France). A positive correlation ( R 2 = 0.79) was found between weather conditions and patterns of earthworm consumption. A positive correlation was also found between earthworm consumption rates and the occurence of 'worm nights', an easy and direct measure of earthworm availability.