Wild boars in Asia heavily depend on bamboo shoots, a high-protein springtime food source, although the timing of shoot emergence varies by bamboo species, and some species have a limited availability window. This study observed wild boar feeding behavior on three major Japanese bamboo species to elucidate their specific patterns. The number of feeding signs increased in the order of Phyllostachys edulis, P. nigra var. henonis, and P. bambusoides, according to the shoot emergence phenology of each species. A common feature in the three species was that the cumulative relative frequency of feeding signs exceeded 50% before the temperature reached the thermosensitive limit temperature of each species, which is a suitable criterion for shoot emergence. Bamboo shoots that survived feeding by wild boars accounted for only 3% of most of the bamboo shoots produced in a year. Moreover, annual differences were detected in the feeding risk by wild boars of P. nigra var. henonis and P. bambusoides. Abandoned bamboo forest areas continue to increase in size and provide food resources for wild boars. This study indicates the importance of understanding bamboo forests at the species level and proper management of these forests.

Published online 19 June, 2024; Print publication 31 July, 2024