Exposure of a population of invasive wild pigs to simulated toxic bait containing biomarker: implications for population reduction

Authors

Nathan P. Snow, National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Michael J. Lavelle, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Joseph M. Halseth, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
Michael P. Glow, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
Eric H. VanNatta, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
Amy J. Davis, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Kim M. Pepin, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Rustin T. Tabor, Joint Base San Antonio
Bruce R. Leland, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services
Linton D. Staples, Animal Control Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Kurt C. VerCauteren, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow

ORCID IDs

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5171-6493

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2766-5673

Date of this Version

10-16-2018

Citation

Snow, N.P., M.J. Lavelle, J.M. Halseth, M.P. Glow, E.H. VanNatta, A.J. Davis, K.M. Pepin, R.T. Tabor, B.R. Leland, L.D. Staples, and K.C. VerCauteren. 2019. Exposure of a population of invasive wild pigs to simulated toxic bait containing biomarker: implications for population reduction. Pest Management Science 75(4):1140-1149. doi: 10.1002/ps.5235

Comments

U.S. Government work

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An international effort to develop an acute and humane toxic bait for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is underway to curtail their expansion. We evaluated the ability to expose a population of wild pigs to a simulated toxic bait (i.e., placebo bait containing a biomarker, rhodamine B, in lieu of the toxic ingredient) to gain insight on potential population reduction. We used 28 GPS-collars and sampled 428 wild pigs to examine their vibrissae for evidence of consuming the bait.

RESULTS: We estimated that 91% of wild pigs within 0.75 km of bait sites (total area = 16.8 km2) consumed the simulated toxic bait, exposing them to possible lethal effects. Bait sites spaced 0.75–1.5 km apart achieved optimal delivery of the bait, but wild pigs ranging ≥ 3 km away were susceptible. Use of wild pig-specific bait stations resulted in no non-target species directly accessing the bait.

CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate the potential for exposing a large proportion of wild pigs to a toxic bait in similar ecosystems. Toxic bait may be an effective tool for reducing wild pig populations especially if used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Investigation of risks associated with a field-deployment of the toxic bait is needed.