Feral pigs

Originally arriving as livestock with the First Fleet in 1788 before escaping to establish wild populations, feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are today regarded as one of Australia’s most destructive invasive species. Their population can increase by 86% in just one year without control and they are particularly prolific in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Because feral pigs rely on water and suitable vegetation for food and shelter, they are most abundant in wetlands, flood plains and along watercourses. Their presence in the arid regions of Australia is dependent upon availability of permanent water.

Feral pigs impact natural environments by preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, multiple amphibious/aquatic species and the eggs from a host of native animals. They also compete with native animals for resources, damage ecosystems and impact multiple threatened ecological communities on which native flora and fauna rely.

Feral pigs impact agricultural production due to their predation of newborn livestock (including lambs, calves and kids), reduced cropping and horticultural yields, degradation to and competition for pasture, damage to farm infrastructure, degradation of water sources, soil and waterways, spread of invasive weeds and acting as a vector for many diseases impacting livestock, humans and plants (native and commercial).

Feral pigs impact cultural and social assets by damaging cultural heritage and values. In some First Nations communities, the value of feral pigs as an alternative food source for humans is recognised and used by elders to teach traditional bush skills and maintain the kinship system. Other opportunities to use feral pigs to boost local economies, create careers and strengthen remote First Nations communities are in development.

To learn more, you can:

• read about the biology, ecology and behaviour of feral pigs in ‘Further Learning’
• find worksheets and other feral pig publications in our Resources section.

You can also watch this Meet the Ferals episode from ABC Landline focused on feral pig management.

FeralPigScan enables you to record new (and historical) observations of feral pigs in your local area:

FeralScan is committed to protecting users’ data, location and information, with all FeralPigScan information managed securely and discreetly as described in our privacy policy. Exact locations of sightings, damage reports or control activities will not be visible to the public.

You can access FeralPigScan via www.feralpigscan.org.au or download the ‘FeralScan’ App and follow the feral pig prompts.

 

1. Register your name, or simply record data using your email address.
2. Record where you have seen feral pigs, evidence, damage, and control actions.
3. Submit your record and view it on the website.
4. View other sightings in your local area.

Want a quick and easy digest of management information for feral pigs? Click on the thumbnail images below to download and print our glovebox and field baiting guides free of charge. Use our order form for larger quantities, which can also feature your organisation’s logo. Please note that printing and postage charges will apply to most orders.

Order Glovebox Guides for Managing Feral Pigs	Order Field Guide to Poison Baiting: Feral Pigs

The National Feral Pig Action Plan is the first national strategy developed to address reducing the impacts caused by feral pigs to Australia’s environmental, agricultural, cultural and social assets through sustained, coordinated and collaborative actions by land managers.