Feral pigs were introduced to Australia in the first fleet of European settlers in 1788. They were brought over as a food source but soon escaped from farms.

Over 200 years later they’ve spread across the continent in many different habitats including the rainforests, wetlands, river systems, farmland and national park areas of the Wet Tropics.

There are estimated to be tens of millions of feral pigs across Australia and up to 10 million in Queensland. They are rapid breeders, a single sow can produce two litters a year with up to 12 piglets, and they have few natural predators.

Why are feral pigs a problem?

• Soil disturbance and erosion
  Using their powerful snouts to root for food, pigs gouge soil and disturb vegetation. This destabilises ground cover, increases erosion and reduces water quality in streams and rivers.
• Sediment runoff
  Pig damage leads to sediment runoff which flows to the reef, smothering seagrass beds and coral — vital habitats for fish, turtles and dugongs.
• Predation
  Feral pigs eat the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds, freshwater turtles and frogs, as well as seeds and tubers of native plants.
• Agricultural and cultural impacts
  On farms, pigs trample crops, damage fences and spread weeds. They also disturb important cultural and heritage sites, upsetting ancient landscapes of value to First Nations communities.

What Is Being Done

Councils, land managers, Traditional Owners and other organisations are collaborating on control programs.
Baiting, trapping and targeted shooting are used in priority areas to reduce pig numbers. Genetic research has shown that pigs populations tend to be localised in family groups and they tend to stick within a two kms home range, which makes it very feasible to control targeted populations.

New technology such as AI cameras is being trialled to help track pig activity to increase the efficiency of control programs.

What Needs to Be Done

As with most invasive species it is unlikely that feral pigs will be completely eradicated due to access difficulties in remote areas. Controlling feral pigs is a long-term issue that will require ongoing funding and community effort.

It also requires:

• Ongoing investment in research and innovation
  New control tools — such as more effective baits, fertility control, and detection technologies — are needed to complement existing methods.
• Ongoing support for landholders
  Many landholders want to act but lack resources or technical support. Incentives, shared equipment and extension support is available through Councils and other organisations.

Find out more:

• Download Factsheet: Using Remote Control Pig Trapping Technology