# First wild boar density data from Araucaria forest in Patagonian Andes

## TL;DR

This study provides the first data on wild boar density in the Araucaria forest of the Patagonian Andes, highlighting the need for monitoring due to their invasive nature.

## Contribution

The paper presents the first wild boar density estimate in the southern Andes region.

## Key findings

- Wild boar density was calculated at 1.4 individuals per square kilometer.
- Encounter rates varied significantly on a monthly basis.
- No significant seasonal variation in density was observed between cold and warm seasons.

## Abstract

As Sus scrofa is an invasive species in South America, it may have a significant impact on biodiversity. Evaluating this threat requires reliable data, and population density can serve as a critical measure. However, such data is currently lacking for the southern Andes region. To address this gap, we monitored wild boar density in the Villarrica National Park, located in the Andes of south-central Chile. This study area is notable not only for its challenging climatic conditions but also for its endangered Araucaria araucana forest, which provides abundant food resources during autumn seed fall. The density calculated for the entire study period was 1.4 individuals/km2, with no significant variation between cold and warm seasons. The encounter rate showed strongly monthly variations. Given that this represents the first density estimate for wild boar in this region, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring, particularly due to the potential threat to the ecosystem and the already endangered Araucaria forest.