![]() Physical characteristics of Indian Wild Boar The thick skin of the wild boar of India is grayish black in colour, which is covered with bristle like hair. It can grow to a length of six feet and can weigh as much as two hundred kilograms. The wild boar has a prominent ridge of hair, which match the spine. It has a short and straight tail and the snout is narrow. The striking part of the Wild boar is the pair of extended canines, which grow upward as well as outward. They possess an acute sense of smell, eyesight and hearing power. Adult Indian wild boars attain a shoulder height of 83.8 to 91.4 cm. Their robust and muscular build enables them to thrive in a variety of environments. The coarse hair of the Indian wild boar varies in color from brown to black, offering effective camouflage within their natural habitats. They demonstrate significant adaptability and resilience, inhabiting dense forests, grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural areas. Habitat of Indian Wild Boar The wild boars wander in groups and are known as sounders. It consists of two to three boars while the rest of the boars are young ones. Generally, a sounder comprises of twenty animals in an average. The adult male joins the sounders during the mating season and prefers to stay alone throughout the year. They are nocturnal creatures that become aggressive when attacked. The Indian Wild Boar eats more or less everything from nuts, berries, carrion, roots, tubers, refuse, insects, small reptiles, etc. They also consume young deer and lambs. The wild boars do not have any fixed mating period. Whenever they decide to mate, the males fight among themselves and the dominant male decides to mate with the female boar. A female wild boar usually gives birth in the spring season and it consists of four to six cubs. Ecology of Indian Wild Boar The Indian wild boar is integral to maintaining ecological balance in India. These animals are effective seed dispersers, aiding plant species propagation by consuming various fruits and vegetation. The undigested seeds in their droppings facilitate new plant growth, enhancing biodiversity within their habitats. In addition, the Indian wild boar is a crucial prey species, providing sustenance to predators and supporting the complex trophic interactions within their ecosystem. Their presence is vital for ensuring a balanced ecosystem, where predator-prey dynamics are maintained, thus promoting the overall health and vitality of India’s diverse wildlife. Conservation of Indian Wild Boar The Wild Indian Boar is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found at various altitudes, from sea level to higher mountain regions, reflecting their capacity to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. Despite the Indian wild boar's ecological significance, it is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects a stable population with no significant threats or declines observed in recent years. Nonetheless, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to protect this native species. By safeguarding their habitats from deforestation, addressing habitat fragmentation, and promoting responsible wildlife management practices, we can contribute to the long-term survival and well-being of the Indian wild boar and its ecosystem. |