VARIATION IN BODY-MASS OF WILD BOARS FROM SOUTHERN FRANCE

Variation in body mass was studied in > 2,500 wild boars (Sus scrofa) in two climatic regions in southern France. Growth rates were determin ed from age estimates based on weights of eye lenses. In sclerophyllou s forest under Mediterranean climate, there was an autumnal reduction in growth rate that was not observed in animals from deciduous forest under montane or Atlantic climates. Those differences may have been th e result of summer drought causing juveniles in the Mediterranean regi on to forego some of their statural growth to permit rebuilding reserv es of mesenteric adipose tissue, thus ensuring reproductive fitness.