The Indian wild boar (Sus scrofa cristatus) is a notable
subspecies of the wild boar found predominantly in the Indian subcontinent.
Adult males typically exhibit a robust and muscular build, with their body
length ranging between 120 to 180 centimeters, and their weight fluctuating
between 90 to 130 kilograms. Females, being slightly smaller, weigh between 60
to 100 kilograms. One of the most distinctive features of the Indian wild boar
is its coarse, dark bristly coat, which often appears black or dark brown. The
underparts tend to be lighter in color. The species is characterized by a pronounced crest of hair running along its back, extending from the neck to the rump, which becomes more prominent when the animal is agitated or alarmed. The snout is elongated and ends in a disk-like structure, facilitating their rooting behavior. Their tusks, particularly in males, are well-developed and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. These tusks curve outward and upward, serving as formidable weapons for defense and dominance displays.
Habitat
Indian wild boars are highly adaptable animals, capable of thriving in a variety of habitats. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, favoring dense forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Their habitat preference includes areas with ample cover and access to water sources. They are also known to inhabit agricultural fields and orchards, often leading to conflicts with human populations due to crop raiding.
These boars are both nocturnal and crepuscular, being most active during the dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. During the day, they seek shelter in dense undergrowth, thickets, or burrows. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of roots, tubers, fruits, small mammals, insects, and carrion. This varied diet contributes to their adaptability and survival in diverse environments.
Concentration in India
The distribution of Indian wild boars spans across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Bangladesh and Bhutan. Within India, they are widespread, found in almost all states and union territories. Significant populations are observed in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, the Himalayan foothills, and the Sundarbans mangrove forest. They are also prevalent in the forests of central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
In protected areas and national parks such as Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and Kaziranga National Park, the Indian wild boar is a common sight. These regions offer them a safe haven with abundant food and minimal human disturbance. However, outside protected areas, their population dynamics are influenced by human activities, including hunting and habitat encroachment.
Conservation Status
While the Indian wild boar is not currently listed as endangered, it faces several threats that could impact its population in the long term. Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization poses a significant threat to this wild animal. Additionally, they are often hunted for their meat and as a means of pest control by farmers. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and enforcing hunting regulations.
Indian wild boar is a resilient and adaptable species with
distinct physical characteristics and a wide distribution across India.
Understanding their habitat requirements and population trends is crucial for
ensuring their continued survival amidst the growing challenges of habitat
degradation and human encroachment.
