A GIS based study on spatial characteristics of wild boar movement

Abstract

The objective of this study was to obtain information on the spatial distribution pattern, home range and utilization characteristics of wild boar movements in Yangy-ang-gun, Kangwon-do. Wild boar movement data were collected via radio-telemetry and used for our research. The spatial characteristics of the wild boar movements were analyzed in relation to environmental factors, such as forest types, forest age classes, forest density, aspect, elevation, slope, distance to drainages and forest roads, and the TWI (Topographic Wetness Index). The spatial distribution of wild boar movement appeared in cluster form. The home ranges of five boars were proven to be closely related to their body weights. The activities of wild boars were greater during autumn than summer. Wild boars appeared mostly on the eastern face forested with 301 to 500 meters elevation, and under 10 degree slope, within 200 m from forest roads and 300 m from drainage, and over 10 TWI. Wild boar appeared also mostly on mixed forests of twenty years with medium densities. © 2007, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.