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Information Bulletin FERAL PIG CONTROL PROJECT Introduction Project description European settlers introduced domesticated pigs to Australia in the late 1700s. Animals that escaped captivity rapidly reproduced to form wild groups. This project aims to use traps to reduce the impacts of feral pigs in montane and coastal wetlands through a partnership programme with local property owners. The population of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Australia is estimated to exceed 23 million, primarily located in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. It will commence in two areas: the upper Clarence catchment (Liston to Wilsons Downfall, and Barretts Ck to Baryulgil), and Shark Creek in the coastal area. Feral pigs have been identified as a ‘key threatening process’ by NSW and the Federal Government due to their impact on the environment in a range of ways including habitat degradation, predation, competition and disease transmission. This project is funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) and has sought the advice of Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB), North-east Pest Forum, Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), and other stakeholders. The project will be consistent with the Department of Environment and Heritage’s Feral Pig Threat Abatement Plan. Landowner partnerships WetlandCare Australia (WCA) is able to deliver traps to selected property owners, at no cost, and we can also provide feed to attract the pigs. In exchange, landowners must agree to check the traps daily, and humanely shoot the trapped pigs. Photo: © Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre If you live in the nominated areas (outlined above) and you have feral pigs on or near your wetlands, please contact WetlandCare Australia to discuss hosting one or more traps. We may be able to offer assistance in the form of trapping guidelines, and feral pig trap loan and deployment. WCA intends to seek further funding to control pigs, and is interested in hearing about other areas of northern NSW with feral pig problems. Impacts caused by feral pigs: Habitat destruction and predation Feral pigs threaten ecological communities by destroying native plants and killing native animals including threatened species. • Feral pigs are heat intolerant and prefer water holes, wetlands and riparian environments. Fouling, wallowing and rooting degrade these habitats resulting in erosion, pollution of water courses and disturbance of local native plants species. • Feral pigs prey on bird chicks, reptiles and their eggs, frogs, earthworms and other invertebrates, and actively consume underground fungi, fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, bulbs and plant foliage. They have also been documented as disturbing waterbird breeding colonies in NSW. • Competition and disease transmission • Feral pigs are known to compete with livestock for drought feed. • Destruction of native plant species through trampling may promote weed invasion and reduces food supplies for native fauna. • Feral pigs may act as vectors for, and reservoirs of, exotic diseases, should they ever reach Australia. They may also be responsible for the spread of the root rot fungus phytophthora cinnamomi which causes die-back disease in vegetation. • It is also thought that feral pigs may compete with native animal species for food, in particular specialist fruit feeders like the cassowary. Methods of Control There are a number of methods of control for feral pigs including aerial and ground shooting, fencing, poison baits and trapping. Of these options trapping and poisoning are two of the most humane and cost-effective methods of feral pig control and may be used in isolation or combination. As poisoning frequently poses a significant risk to non-target species, this project will focus on control through trapping. Trapping • • • • • • Trapping is particularly successful during dry periods and when food availability is scarce Feed such as local foods and fermented grains are used to attract pigs into the traps Pre-feeding is required before setting the trap Traps remain in position until no more pig activity is detected, then traps may be relocated Feral pigs have large territories of up to 50km2 Once trapped, feral pigs should be euthanased humanely with a single shot to the head Detailed guidelines outlining trap design, location, maintenance and feral pig disposal are available from Wetland Care Australia. For further information please contact: Wetland Care Australia P O Box 114 Ballina NSW 2478 Tel: Fax: E: 1800 816 147 02 6686 6866 [email protected] www.wetlandcare.com.au This project was assisted by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority with funding supplied by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust.