Effects of Wild Boar (Sus scrofaL.) Rooting on Seedling Emergence in Białowieża Forest

A three-year study in Białowieża Forest revealed that wild boar rooting does not negatively impact seedling emergence, despite the assumption that repeated disturbance would hinder plant growth. Researchers found that rooted patches, created by wild boars foraging for food, actually promote diverse seedling emergence, primarily of forest species like Urtica dioica. These seedlings, though sparse in density, suggest a rich soil seed bank that thrives under periodic disturbance. The study also hints at the possibility that some seedlings may originate from exogenous sources, but further analysis is needed to confirm this. Conducted across 30 subplots with over 10,000 seedlings representing 38 species, the research challenges conventional views on the impact of wild boar activity on forest regeneration.

Sondej, I., & Kwiatkowska-Falińska, A. J. (2017). Effects of Wild Boar (Sus scrofaL.) Rooting on Seedling Emergence in Białowieża Forest. Polish Journal of Ecology, 65(4), 380–389. https://doi.org/10.3161/15052249pje2017.65.4.007