Abstract: With the concept of ecological environment protection deeply ingrained in society, the habitat of wild boars (Sus scrofa) has continuously ameliorated in recent years. Consequently, the populations of wild boars are increasing at a rapid pace. Due to the absence of large predators, the rapid expansion of wild boar populations has induced the occurrence of human-wild boar conflicts. Nevertheless, the research regarding the seasonality of human-wild boar interactions within conflict zones remains insufficient. In this study, we conduct continuous monitoring via infrared cameras in 25 districts/counties of Zhejiang Province. With the assistance of sampling point and sampling line surveys, a total of 852 wild boar location data were recorded from 2019 to 2022. A total of 13 habitat identification indicators reflecting both natural and anthropogenic factors were constructed, and the MaxEnt model was applied to analyze the seasonal distribution pattern of suitable habitat for wild boar and to explore its influencing factors. Eventually, the Human Footprint Index Method and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to uncover the hotspots of human-wild boar conflicts. The results showed that: (1) The potential habitat area spanned 9184.2 km² in spring, primarily distributed in Lishui City and Taishun County (Wenzhou City). In summer, suitable habitats for wild boars were mainly concentrated in Kaihua County (Quzhou City) and Pan’an County (Jinhua City), with a total area of the moderately and highly suitable habitats reaching a peak of 18300.93 km². Autumn witnessed a reduction of potential habitats to 7957.06 km², with moderately and highly suitable habitats located in Kaihua County (Quzhou City) and Longquan City (Lishui City). There was a significant expansion of non-suitable habitat areas in winter, reaching 73859.72 km². (2) Altitude, average annual precipitation, and distance to farmland were the dominant factors influencing the distribution of potential wild boar habitats, with secondary factors being human population density and vegetation coverage. The spatial distribution of human activity intensity in the study area was characterized by “high in the north, east and along the coast, and low in the south, west, and inland”. (3) The proportion of H-H clusters was lower in spring (0.87%) and summer (0.99%) compared to autumn (1.62%) and winter (1.06%), suggesting a relatively less pronounced spatial overlap in spring and summer. Autumn was the period with the high overlapping between human activity space and the living space of wild boars.

Key words: wild boar habitat, MaxEnt model, human activity intensity, correlation analysis