Ecology and management of feral pigs in Australian tropical rainforests

Abstract

Information on the ecological impacts of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in the World Heritage Listed tropical rainforests of northern Queensland, Australia, are limited. This study quantifies and qualifies aspects of the ecological impact, spatial and temporal digging activities and home range and seasonal movement patterns of feral pigs. Feral pigs have seasonal digging activities with a preference for moist microhabitats at the start of the dry season. Feral pigs in this region have defined sedentary home ranges, and their distribution patterns appear to be influenced by microhabitat factors including earthworm populations and water availability. Digging activity decreases rainforest seedling survival rates by 36%. Management strategies should concentrate on a coordinated, regional, community based approach.