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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(8)

Spatial and temporal patterns of feral pig diggings in rainforests of north Queensland

J. Mitchell A E , W. Dorney B , R. Mayer C and J. McIlroy D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 187, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.

B Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 20, South Johnstone, Qld 4859, Australia.

C Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 1085, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.

D 38 Hempleman Drive, Akaroa, 8161, New Zealand.

E Corresponding author. Email: jim.mitchell@dpi.qld.gov.au

Wildlife Research 34(8) 597-602 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR06064
Submitted: 6 June 2006  Accepted: 2 October 2007   Published: 18 December 2007

Abstract

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are believed to have a severe negative impact on the ecological values of tropical rainforests in north Queensland, Australia. Most perceptions of the environmental impacts of feral pigs focus on their disturbance of the soil or surface material (diggings). Spatial and temporal patterns of feral pig diggings were identified in this study: most diggings occurred in the early dry season and predominantly in moist soil (swamp and creek) microhabitats, with only minimal pig diggings found elsewhere through the general forest floor. The overall mean daily pig diggings were 0.09% of the rainforest floor. Most diggings occurred 3–4 months after the month of maximum rainfall. Most pig diggings were recorded in highland swamps, with over 80% of the swamp areas dug by pigs at some time during the 18-month study period. These results suggest that management of feral pig impacts should focus on protecting swamp and creek microhabitats in the rainforest, which are preferred by pigs for digging and which have a high environmental significance.


Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Dr Chris Johnson for his support. The Rainforest CRC and the Department of Natural Resources and Water provided financial support for this study. Several University students assisted – thanks go to Geoff Andersson, Steve Locke, Leon Hill and Cathy Brennan. Thanks go to the staff of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at Edmund Kennedy National Park.


References

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| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Tracey J. G. (1982). ‘The Vegetation of the Humid Tropical Region of North Queensland.’ (CSIRO: Melbourne.)

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