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Negative effect of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) on the population size of the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) in forest habitats of Sardinia

Abstract The various activities of the wild boar (Sus scrofa), such as nesting, feeding, and rooting, may impact a wide array of taxa and ecological processes, but there is still controversial evidence about the effects of wild boars on small mammal populations. Here, we tested whether a negative effect of wild boar abundance on the wild populations of the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) does occur along 24 transects in Sardinia Island, Italy. We found a significantly negative linear relationship between the rooting intensity of wild boars and the density of mice in each transect. Our study, therefore, suggests that wild boars may have a negative impact on mice populations. Monitoring the populations of wild boar would be also useful for the management of free-ranging rodent populations throughout Europe.