Multi-level movement response of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to removal

Authors

Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, USDA APHIS, Fort Collins, COFollow
Peter E. Schlichting, University of GeorgiaFollow
David A. Keiter, University of GeorgiaFollow
Joshua B. Smith, University of GeorgiaFollow
John C. Kilgo, USDA Forest ServiceFollow
George Wittemyer, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Kurt C. Vercauteren, University of GeorgiaFollow
James C. Beasley, University of GeorgiaFollow
Kim M. Pepin, USA National Wildlife Research Center, USDA-APHISFollow

ORCID IDs

Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6799-639X

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2021

Citation

Pest Manag Sci 2021; 77: 85–95

DOI 10.1002/ps.6029

Comments

U.S. gov't work

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lethal removal of invasive species, such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa), is often the most efficient approach for reducing their negative impacts. Wild pigs are one of the most widespread and destructive invasive mammals in the USA. Lethal management techniques are a key approach for wild pigs and can alter wild pig spatial behavior, but it is unclear how wild pigs respond to the most common removal technique, trapping.We investigated the spatial behavior of wild pigs following intensive removal of conspecifics via trapping at three sites within the Savannah River Site, SC, USA. We evaluated changes in wild pig densities, estimated temporal shifts in home-range properties, and evaluated fine-scale movement responses of wild pigs to removal.

RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in the density of wild pigs in one site following removal via trapping while a qualitative reduction was observed in another site. We found little evidence of shifts in pig home-ranging behavior following removal. However, we did observe a nuanced response in movement behavior of wild pigs to the removal at the scale of the GPS locations (4 h), including increased movement speed and reduced selection for vegetation rich areas.

CONCLUSION: Our work provides a better understanding of the impact of removal via trapping on wild pig movement and its implications for management. The lack of shift in home-range characteristics observed illustrates how targeted trapping could be used to provide temporary relief for species sensitive to wild pig consumption such as ground nesting birds or agricultural crops.