Abstract. The study of the morphological characteristics of an animal population reveals the state of the relationship between the species and its environment. For adequate management, it is necessary to evaluate the health, physical condition and productivity of wild populations and their habitats (Kirkpatrick 1980). In this study, we examined a sample of 673 wild boars (Sus scrofa, L.) that were captured between 1992 and 1997 in Álava province, Spain. We characterized the morphometrics (e.g., weigh, body size) of wild boar in the Cantabrian population. To determinate a boar’s age, we used tooth reinstatement tables (for individuals younger than 24 months) and a count of the cement lines of incisor I1, which allowed us to establish a mathematical growth model for the Cantabrian population of wild boar. Of all of the measurements we recorded, body-head length and length of the jaw are the parameters that have the strongest correlation with age. With both variables, the correlation is expressed a logarithmic equation (y=a lnx + b). The mean body weight of mature males and females were 74.27±3.34 kg and 55.30±1.15 kg, respectively. The mean body-head lengths of males and females were 154.37±3.24 cm and 142.23±1.06 cm, respectively. In both sexes, body size was similar to wild boar in a population in France, but they were smaller than those in other Spanish populations in the Demanda Mountains, Burgos, northern Spain, which might be due to differences in population density. In both sexes, growth rates follow the typical pattern: wild boar exhibit strong incremental growth in the first year, but continue to grow, albeit more slowly, throughout the animal’s life.

Keywords: northern Spain, physical development, Sus scrofa, Wild boar.

Resumen. El estudio de las características morfológicas de una población animal revela el estado de la relación entre la especie y su entorno. Para una gestión adecuada, es necesario evaluar la salud, el estado físico y la productividad de las poblaciones salvajes y sus hábitats (Kirkpatrick 1980). En este estudio, examinamos una muestra de 673 jabalíes (Sus scrofa, L.) que fueron capturados entre 1992 y 1997 en la provincia de Álava, España. Se caracterizó la morfometría (peso, tamaño corporal) de los jabalíes de la población cantábrica. Para determinar la edad de un jabalí, utilizamos tablas de reinserción dentaria (para individuos menores de 24 meses) y un recuento de las líneas de cemento del incisivo I1, lo que nos permitió establecer un modelo matemático de crecimiento para la población cantábrica de jabalíes. De todas las medidas que registramos, la longitud cuerpo-cabeza y la longitud de la mandíbula son los parámetros que presentan una mayor correlación con la edad.

DOI: 10.7325/Galemys.2004.NE.A2