Feral Pigs, Rainforest Conservation and Exotic Disease in North Queensland.

Abstract

Feral pigs [Sus scrofa] are perceived to cause considerable damage in the rain forests of NE Queensland. The distribution, biology and effects of feral pigs in the region were reviewed and the likely efficacy of control options assessed. Topics covered include parasites and diseases of pigs, and the effects of introduction of exotic livestock diseases (in particular foot and mouth disease). The results are presented of a survey of feral pigs in the Cooktown-Townsville area, Queensland carried out during January-May and May-September 1988. Sightings of pigs, presence of tracks, dung, wallows and areas of rooting were used as signs of pig activity. Some 80% of the transects showed signs of pig activity during at least one of the study periods.