This footage was recorded in Hova*, Sweden, and shows wild boar wallowing in mud.
Wallowing, i.e. coating the body surface with mud, is a natural behaviour of pigs, commonly observed in feral pigs and wild boar. Wallowing is observed in many related species including rhino's, elephants, bovids (e.g. American bison) and deer. Pigs and boar also share several taxonomic characteristics with water-loving mammals such as water buffalo's, hippo's and whales.
The common perception is that pigs wallow mainly for cooling, sunburn protection and the removal of ecto-parasites. Little scientific evidence exists for other functions than thermoregulation. Pigs lack functional sweat glands and wallowing in mud is an effective behavioural control mechanism in pigs to prevent hyperthermia. Wallowing, however, may also serve other functions, e.g. in scent-marking and sexual behaviour. In addition, wallowing in pigs, like dustbathing in poultry, may be indicative of positive welfare and, perhaps, the performance of the behaviour is ‘hardwired’ and rewarding in itself. If so, wallowing could be an important element of a good life in captive pigs and boar.
Reference: www.researchgate.net/publicat...
*Hova is a locality of the Gullspång Municipality, Västra Götaland County. The trailcam was set up in the woods near Otterbergets Bad & Camping. Thanks to @keesdonkersteeg5427 and @jurrebrenders.
21 авг 2022
