Insights into the patterns and effects of wild boar ( <i>Sus scrofa</i> ) presence in oasis agroecosystems

Abstract In arid urban ecosystems, oases support both agricultural livelihoods and biodiversity. Given their importance, understanding factors influencing wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) distribution and their subsequent effects on crops is crucial. We explored the occurrence and ecological impacts of wild boars in the oasis agroecosystems of southern Tunisia, focusing on the Gabès and Kébili regions. We tested the hypothesis that wild boar occurrence was related to regional differences in agroecosystem characteristics that reflect variations in habitat suitability and management practices. Our measurements focused on oasis size, irrigation practices, cereal density, proximity of oases to wild boar refuge areas and roads, accessibility of oases to wild boars, and palm height. We assessed wild boar presence through systematic field surveys at each sampling site, using direct observations and the identification of tracks, scat, and rooting signs, which served as a key indicator of wild boar damage. We assessed biodiversity on standardized sampling plots where we recorded plant species richness and abundance across the study sites. We detected wild boars in 66.7% (±8.54 [SD]) of sampling plots in Gabès and 48.95% (±13.33) in Kébili on average, with signs of damage detected in 30.52% (±13.30) of plots in Gabès and 26.05% (±4.02) in Kébili on average, with no significant differences observed between regions or seasons. Wild boar occurrence increased with vegetation complexity (2‐layered oases) and organic fertilization (manure application), and was marginally greater closer to refuge zones. Conversely, disturbance from boars decreased with increasing oasis size, irrigation, distance to road, and cereal density but was greater in oases farther from refuge zones and with taller palm trees. Our results highlight the complex interactions between human activities and wild boar impacts, stressing the need for integrated wildlife management and sustainable agricultural practices in arid environments.