Feral Hog Movements and Habitat Use in Coastal South Carolina

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Abstract
The average home ranges of 3 feral hog (Sus scrofa domesticus) boars and 3 sows monitored more than 12 mo. were 226 ha and 181 ha, respectively, but did not differ (P > 0.05) between the sexes. Diel home ranges of 4 boars and 2 sows monitored for one 24 period every 2 wk from Feb.-May averaged 15.5 ha and 16.2 ha, respectively. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between sexes or between the Feb.-March and April-May periods. Habitat use based on 2329 locations of 9 boars and 6 sows monitored for 174.6 animal-months showed heavy use of fresh- and brackish-water marshes in all seasons, but no use of salt marsh, although some noninstrumented animals used salt marsh on occasion. Swamp habitats were used heavily in all seasons except fall. Upland pine habitats were used in approximate proportion to their availability, probably mainly for bedding. Upland hardwoods were not used heavily, although the upland oak stands were exploited when acorns were available.

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