Wildlife and the city. Modelling wild boar use of urban nature: Empirical contribution, methodological proposal

Abstract

Implementation of nature into urban areas provides resting, breeding, watering, feeding and movement opportunities for urban wildlife, whose knowledge of spatial ecology is still incomplete. This article focuses on space use by urban wild boar Sus scrofa in the central part of the Bordeaux Metropolis (France). We used species distribution modelling to assess urban ecological niche of wild boars and to identify landscape features that they select or avoid. We created a database based on field surveys carried out on a sample of grid cells where evidence of boar presence was recorded. We used logistic regression models to predict wild boar presence in the study area. Our results showed that the probability of boar presence was driven by access to resources and modulated by avoidance of densely built-up areas. In contrast, urban boars appeared to be indifferent to habitat fragmentation and secondary roads. Finally, a large part of the urbanistic urban green frame of Bordeaux was likely to support wild boar. These results provide a first picture of the situation, but must be considered as a first stage of investigations on the spatial ecology of urban boars. They also need to be placed in a broader socio-ecological context. From a life science perspective, urban wild boars provide an excellent example of urban wildlife adaptation. However, human-wildlife coexistence also raises planning, management, socio-cultural and ethical issues. We argue that objectifying wildlife use of urban space is a prerequisite to implement meaningful management measures. With this in mind, we proposed and discussed a simple protocol that could be adapted to other species whose urban ranges are poorly known.