Integrated feral pig management for the Herbert cane area

Abstract

The damage caused by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Wet Tropics cane growing regions can be significant, with losses in cane proceeds exceeding $1M in certain years within the Herbert region. The management of the pest is difficult, due to the landscape in which the feral pigs are found, the varying success of hunting, baiting and trapping activities and the overall intelligence of the pest being managed. In the Herbert, community partners have invested in managing this pest through a coordinated regional approach through the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program (HCFPMP) and research by this project. The group utilizes a multiple approach to manage feral pigs within the landscape through the use of GIS, genetic mapping and targeted on-ground activities (like shooting, dogging, baiting and trapping). This report on the approaches adopted by the group and the research findings to date undertaken by the community partnerships group funded by the SRA funded research project.