The Acceptance of Dyed Grain by Feral Pigs and Birds. 3. Comparison of Intakes of Dyed and Undyed Grain by Feral Pigs and Birds in Pig-Proof Paddocks.

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 447 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hone ◽  
H Bryant ◽  
P Nicholls ◽  
W Atkinson ◽  
R Kleba
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Sorghum Grains ◽  
Feral Pig

In a 2-year study maize, wheat and sorghum grains, and a green and a blue dye were used. Of 57 bird species recorded in the study area only galahs and crested pigeons were observed eating grain. Neither feral pigs nor birds had differences in intake of undyed or dyed grain on average over the study; however, intake differences were highly variable as a result of interactions involving years, seasons, grains and times within seasons. Daily grain intake per pig averaged 2.33 kg and daily grain intake by all birds averaged 0.24 kg. Intakes by pigs and birds varied significantly with years, seasons, grains and times within seasons in complex interactions. The study suggests that poisoned grain baits for feral pig control may be dyed with little effect on intake by feral pigs, but that dyeing poisoned grain may not decrease its acceptance by some bird species.

scholarly journals Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. L. D. Cunha ◽  
M. G. Reis ◽  
C. Z. Fieker ◽  
M. M. Dias
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Site Occupancy ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Control Area ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Gallery Forests

Abstract The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

Efficacy of manufactured PIGOUT® baits for localised control of feral pigs in the semi-arid Queensland rangelands

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan D. Cowled ◽  
Eddie Gifford ◽  
Michelle Smith ◽  
Linton Staples ◽  
Steven J. Lapidge
Keyword(s):  
Significant Risk ◽  
Population Census ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Remote Cameras ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Feral Pig

Conservative population declines of 73% were recorded in three independent feral pig populations in Welford National Park, Queensland, when PIGOUT® baits containing 72 mg of sodium fluoroacetate were used in a baiting program following prefeeding. Declines were measured using a prebaiting population census with remote cameras, followed by carcass recovery. The knockdown of susceptible feral pigs may have been higher than this, since any carcasses not recovered reduced the recorded efficacy. In addition, feral pigs know to have left the baiting area after trapping and telemetry-tagging, and subsequently not exposed to toxic baits, were included in the analysis. The use of remote cameras and carcass recovery appears to be a relatively accurate means of recording localised declines in feral pig populations. This method is applicable only when carcass recovery is possible, such as in open areas in the semi-arid rangelands. A decline of 86% of radio-tagged feral pigs attending bait stations was also recorded. Camera observations revealed no non-target consumption of baits. Measurement of sodium fluoroacetate–contaminated tissues from feral pigs showed that residues were too low to present a significant risk to recorded scavenging animals in the area. Some feral pigs vomited before death, with vomitus containing sodium fluoroacetate poison at high concentrations. No vomitus was consumed by non-target species. Almost all feral pigs were killed relatively rapidly after ingestion of sodium fluoroacetate and the signs observed in a small number of poisoned feral pigs did not indicate a significant welfare concern.

Bimodal breeding seasonality of an understorey bird, Premnoplex brunnescens, in an Ecuadorian cloud forest

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold F. Greeney
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Habitat Choice ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Slight Variation ◽  
Low Latitude ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Breeding Seasonality ◽  
Foraging Movement

Despite the aseasonality of temperature and day length of many tropical regions, especially when compared with temperate latitudes, most tropical animals show fairly pronounced seasonal shifts in foraging, movement patterns and reproduction (Flecker & Feifarek 1994, Saul 1975, Wolda & Fisk 1981). Understanding reproductive seasonality in tropical avian communities involves distinguishing among complex interactions between weather, resource abundance, hormones, behaviour and other life-history traits (Wikelski et al. 2003). While there is a great deal of evidence that many tropical bird species breed seasonally (Hau 2001, Marchant 1959, Miller 1963, Snow & Snow 1964), we still understand little of the causes which drive observed patterns (Wikelski et al. 2003). Most studies which address the seasonality of reproduction in tropical birds have focused on locations with fairly extreme temporal changes in rainfall (Cruz & Andrews 1989, Lack 1950, Marchant 1959, Poulin et al. 1992, Voous 1950), and comparatively few have looked at relatively aseasonal low-latitude locations (Miller 1963, Moreau 1950). Similarly, though a few studies have pointed out slight variation in the within-species initiation of breeding based on microhabitat (Wikelski et al. 2003), we know very little about how micro-habitat choice for nesting may affect (or be affected by) breeding seasonality. In this study I describe the nesting cycle of the spotted barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens), from the Ecuadorian Andes to better understand how reproduction may be seasonal when climatic cues are subtle or absent.

Observations on the Sensitivity of Some Australian Birds and the Feral Pig to the Organophosphorus Insecticide, Fenthion Ethyl.

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Mcilroy
Keyword(s):  
Organophosphorus Insecticide ◽  
Lucilia Cuprina ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Australian Birds ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Toxicological Data ◽  
Feral Pig

Some toxicological data are presented to show that 7 species of birds in Australia are highly sensitive to Lucijet [O,O-diethyl O-[3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl] phosphorothioate], an insecticide that is used against blowflies [Lucilia cuprina], lice and keds on sheep. Data on the sensitivity of birds to fenthion (the methyl analogue of Lucijet) indicate that other species of birds in Australia could be highly sensitive to Lucijet. This is partly confirmed by the variety of species found dead where Lucijet has been used to kill animals regarded as pests (such as feral pigs). Poison 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is probably more effective against pigs and less hazardous to birdlife.

scholarly journals Efficacy of ERL-4221 as an ovotoxin for feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin L. Sanders ◽  
Fang Xie ◽  
Richard E. Mauldin ◽  
Jerome C. Hurley ◽  
Lowell A. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Delivery ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Experimental Trial ◽  
Feral Pig

Context The expansion of feral pig populations across the United States has increased the occurrence of damage and damage complaints. New techniques are needed to more effectively manage feral pig damage, including the development of fertility control agents. Aims We aimed to assess the ovotoxic properties of ERL-4221 as a candidate fertility control agent for feral pigs. Methods We conducted two palatability trials to determine ERL-4221 acceptance and one experimental trial with ERL-4221 at the captive wildlife facility of Texas A&M University-Kingsville during 2008. Our experimental trial had three treatments, a control containing no ERL-4221, baits containing 16.0 mg ERL-4221 kg–1 bodyweight for 10 days, and baits containing 16.0 mg ERL-4221 kg–1 bodyweight for 20 days. Key results Final body mass, total ovary mass, number of follicles and number of corpora lutea did not differ between treatments. Conclusions We did not find it efficacious to orally deliver ERL-4221 to feral pigs to reduce fertility. Oral delivery is the most practical, cost-effective means of delivering fertility control agents to feral pigs and development of additional fertility control strategies are needed. Implications Unless ovotoxic effects of ERL-4221 can be identified in feral pigs, along with a successful means of administration, other fertility control strategies may need to be explored, such as oocyte-secreted proteins that regulate follicular development.

Observations on effects of feral pig (Sus scrofa) age and sex on diet

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Wishart ◽  
Steven Lapidge ◽  
Michael Braysher ◽  
Stephen D. Sarre ◽  
Jim Hone
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
New South ◽  
Food Material ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Slow Moving ◽  
Pig Management ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Feral Pig

Context Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species that cause damage to ecologically sensitive areas. Management of biodiversity and of feral pigs assumes the diet of pigs of different ages and sexes are similar. Aims We aimed to investigate effects of feral pig age and sex on broad feral pig diet to identify potential at-risk native wildlife species so as to improve biodiversity and feral pig management. Methods Diet was determined by macroscopic analysis of the stomach content of 58 aerially shot feral pigs of mixed ages and sexes. The study occurred in the Macquarie Marshes, New South Wales, a Ramsar wetland of international significance. Results Feral pigs were largely herbivorous, with vegetable matter being found in all stomachs and contributing to a majority of the food material that was present in each stomach, by volume. Adult feral pigs had significantly more grasses and crop material in their stomachs than juveniles, while juveniles had significantly more forbs in their stomachs than adult feral pigs. Vertebrate prey items included frogs, lizard and snake, but no threatened wildlife species. Conclusions Juvenile and adult feral pigs differed in their diet, especially with regards to plant material, which has not been reported previously. There was, however, no difference in the consumption of vertebrate wildlife species between juvenile and adult, or male and female feral pigs. Slow-moving, nocturnal amphibians and reptiles were the most common vertebrate item recorded. Implications Biodiversity and feral pig management should recognise plant diet differences between demographic segments of the feral pig population. Further research is recommended to determine if diet differences also occur for threatened wildlife species, which will require more intensive nocturnal sampling.

Evaluation of Fencing to Control Feral Pig Movement

1983 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 499 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hone ◽  
B Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Feral Pig

Eight fence designs with and without electrification were tested for their ability to stop feral pigs crossing from one paddock to another.Fences of 8:80:15 hingejoints were pig-proof, whereas fences of 6:70:30 hingejoint or plain wires allowed some pigs to cross. Electrification of the fences significantly reduced the frequency of pig movement through fences to as little as 6.3% of test pigs. The behaviour of feral pigs relative to the fences and their implications are described.

scholarly journals Synergistic effects of habitat configuration and land-use intensity shape the structure of bird assemblages in human-modified landscapes across three major neotropical biomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olinda Maira Alves Nogueira ◽  
Ana Filipa Palmeirim ◽  
Carlos A. Peres ◽  
Manoel dos Santos-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Land Use Intensity ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Habitat Configuration ◽  
Native Habitat ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Native Habitats

AbstractMaximizing biodiversity persistence in heterogeneous human-modified landscapes is hindered by the complex interactions between habitat quality and configuration of native and non-native habitats. Here we examined these complex interactions considering avian diversity across 26 sampling sites, each of which comprised of three sampling points located across a gradient of disturbance: core native habitat fragment, fragment edge, and non-native adjacent matrix. The 78 sampling points were further nested within three neotropical biomes—Amazonia, Cerrado and Pantanal—in central-western Brazil. Matrix type consisted of cattle pastures in the Amazon and teak plantations in the Pantanal and Cerrado. We considered the interactive effects of (1) disturbance-context: fragment core, edge and adjacent matrix, (2) matrix type: tree plantation or cattle pastures, both subject to varying land-use intensity, and (3) native habitat configuration (fragment size, shape and isolation) on bird species richness, abundance and composition. Based on point-count surveys, we recorded 210 bird species. Bird species richness and abundance declined across the disturbance gradient, while genus composition only differed within the adjacent matrix, particularly cattle-pastures. The effect of native habitat area was positive but only detected at fragment edges. Overall bird diversity increased at sites characterized by higher availability of either relict trees within pasture landscapes or old-growth trees within teak plantation landscapes. The core of native fragments played a primary role in ensuring the persistence of bird diversity, regardless of fragment size. In contrast to pastures, tree plantations likely harbour a higher proportion of forest-dependent species while bird diversity can be further enhanced by reduced management intensity in both matrix types. Strategies to maximize avian persistence should not only include retaining native habitats, but also maximizing the size of core native habitats. Likewise, more structurally complex matrix types should be encouraged while maintaining low levels of land-use intensity.

Feral pigs: predicting future distributions

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan D. Cowled ◽  
Fiona Giannini ◽  
Sam D. Beckett ◽  
Andrew Woolnough ◽  
Simon Barry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weather Data ◽  
Contingency Planning ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
The Future ◽  
Sea Ports ◽  
Natural Dispersal ◽  
North Western ◽  
Modelling Approach ◽  
Feral Pig

Feral pig populations are expanding in many regions of the world following historically recent introductions. Populations are controlled to reduce damage to agriculture and the environment, and are also a recreational hunting resource. Knowledge of the area over which feral pigs may expand in the future could be used regionally to assist biosecurity planning, control efforts and the protection of biodiversity assets. The present study sought to estimate the future distribution of a recently introduced, expanding feral pig population in the remote Kimberley region of north-western Australia. An existing survey of feral pig distributions was enhanced and remote-sensing and weather data, reflecting or correlated with factors that may affect feral pig distributions, were collated and analysed. Relationships between feral pig distributions and these data were identified by using a generalised additive modelling approach. By the use of the model, the distribution of favourable habitat was estimated across the study region (89 125 km2). The potential future distribution of feral pigs in the Kimberley was then estimated, assuming only natural dispersal of feral pigs from areas of known feral pig status (cf. hunter-assisted movements or escape of domestic pigs). The modelling suggests that feral pigs could expand their distribution by realistic natural dispersal in the future (to 61 950 km2). This expansion possibility contains several strategically important areas (such as sea ports and biologically significant wetlands). This approach has the potential to improve biosecurity planning for the containment of the feral pig in the Kimberley and may have utility for other recently introduced invasive species in other regions. These results may also be used to improve pest-management programmes and contingency planning for exotic-disease incursions.

Spatial and temporal patterns of feral pig diggings in rainforests of north Queensland

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 597 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mitchell ◽  
W. Dorney ◽  
R. Mayer ◽  
J. McIlroy
Keyword(s):  
Forest Floor ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Environmental Significance ◽  
Maximum Rainfall ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Ecological Values ◽  
Feral Pig

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are believed to have a severe negative impact on the ecological values of tropical rainforests in north Queensland, Australia. Most perceptions of the environmental impacts of feral pigs focus on their disturbance of the soil or surface material (diggings). Spatial and temporal patterns of feral pig diggings were identified in this study: most diggings occurred in the early dry season and predominantly in moist soil (swamp and creek) microhabitats, with only minimal pig diggings found elsewhere through the general forest floor. The overall mean daily pig diggings were 0.09% of the rainforest floor. Most diggings occurred 3–4 months after the month of maximum rainfall. Most pig diggings were recorded in highland swamps, with over 80% of the swamp areas dug by pigs at some time during the 18-month study period. These results suggest that management of feral pig impacts should focus on protecting swamp and creek microhabitats in the rainforest, which are preferred by pigs for digging and which have a high environmental significance.

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