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Auckland Island Pigs. Changes to gene pools.
Level 2 Achievement Standard 91157 Biology 2.5
Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change
Level 3 Achievement Standard 91605 Biology 3.5
Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation
Auckland Island Pig
The Auckland Islands are a group of subantarctic islands situated approximately 350km south of
Stewart Island. In the 1800s many ships were wrecked on the island and so pigs (as well as other
animals) were released on to the islands as a food source for shipwrecked sailors.
The islands are wet, cold and wind swept. Pigs living there have survived on a diet of plant material,
insects, ground-nesting birds and their eggs, as well as anything they can scavenge from the shore
such as the carcasses of marine mammals, e.g. sea lions.
There were 3-4 releases of pigs during the 1800s but since then the pigs have been completely isolated
on the island.
In 1999 the Rare Breeds Conservation Society decided to remove some of the pigs from the island
before the department of conservation began their plan to eradicate them from the islands.
Overall 17 pigs including some pregnant sows were captured and taken from the islands. These pigs
appeared slightly different to other wild pig populations found on mainland New Zealand. Features
included the fact that they did not squeal when being hunted, they were predominantly black all over
with a few individuals showing patches of tan and they were smaller than most wild pigs with longer,
narrower heads and noses and had long straight tails. They were also observed to be quite athletic
animals.
Level 2 Biology
Discuss how genetic drift, mutation and natural selection have contributed to changes in the
characteristics of the Auckland Island pigs since their release on the Islands in the 1800s.
Key words:
Founder Effect
Genetic Drift
Gene flow
Natural Selection
Mutation
Environmental Effects
Level 3 Biology
Discuss the evolutionary processes that have occurred in the Auckland Island pig population AND
the likelihood of speciation occurring if the pigs were to be left on the island.
Key words:
Gene flow
Natural Selection
Mutation
Allopatric
Reproductive Isolating Mechanisms
Environmental Effects