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

Abstract

We investigated the annual and monthly patterns of earthworm consumption by wild boar in the Maurienne valley (Alps, France). A positive correlation (R² = 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.