Factors affecting the success rate of traps for catching feral pigs in a tropical habitat

Abstract

Factors affecting the success rate of traps for catching feral pigs inhabiting a tropical habitat in the Northern Territory, Australia, were identified by constructing a generalised linear model relating capture rates of pigs to environmental variables. Capture rates were influenced most significantly by time of year, being highest during the late dry season and lowest during the late wet season. The next-most important variables were the presence of fresh pig-tracks at the trap site before construction, and vegetation type, with capture rates higher in closed forest, open forest and woodland habitats than in open woodland and low open woodland habitats. Other variables that significantly influenced capture rates were whether pigs had previously eaten bait at the trap site, presence of rooting, bait type, and distance from water. The model developed here provides a useful framework of planning and conducting feral pig trapping programmes in the Northern Territory and other similar tropical habitats.