Spatial and temporal characteristics of the damage caused by wild ungulates in maize (Zea mays L.) crops

Agricultural damage caused by wild ungulates can be economically very important worldwide. In Europe, the impact of wild ungulates causes significant losses to crops, mainly to maize, where it exceeds billions of US dollars annually. The objective of this study was to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of damage caused by wild boar and red deer to maize, in order to propose efficient prevention and mitigation of losses to agricultural producers worldwide. The study was carried out in three forests neighbouring maize fields in two different areas. We recorded data on the proportion, type and the location of the damage by ungulates within the fields. According to our results the damage varied greatly along the vegetation growth period (from green plant to corncob), likely due to the changes in the food supply provided by maize. The proportion of damaged plants increased through the growing season and was probably affected by the appearance of corncobs. Seventy to 90% of the total damage occurred within a 300 m distance to the forest edge. Considering these findings, we propose to arrange a protocol for damage prevention based on damage risk maps.