A critical look at wild pig elimination: myths and facts

• Published in: Human-wildlife interactions 2023-04, Vol.17 (1), p.1-11
• Main Authors: Pepin, Kim M, Guerrant, Travis L, Psiropoulos, Jeremiah L, Neskey, Jeanine T, Tomeçek, John M, Bodenchuk, Michael J, Romines, Janean L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture; Biology; Crop damage; Ecological function; Ecology; Environmental impact; Environmental science; Growth models; Hogs; Impact damage; Livestock; Nonnative species; Pasture; Population decline; Population growth; Sus scrofa; Swine; Wildlife; Wildlife conservation
• ISSN: 2155-3858; 2155-3874

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are abundant and widely distributed in the United States. They damage crops and pastures, predate livestock and sensitive species, impact ecosystem functions, and damage personal property. To address these issues, some states in the United States are seeking complete elimination. A frequently asked question by stakeholders is: "What portion of the population needs to be removed annually to reach elimination?" The number 70% is widely touted as the answer. There is little scientific evidence to support that this percent annual removal would be needed to achieve elimination, yet 70% has now become a standard measure of management success, and in some cases the rationale for support or lack thereof for operational management programs. For example, some stakeholders believe that if a wild pig elimination program does not remove 70% of the population annually across the state, then it is not being effective. These strong and widespread anecdotal beliefs may actually impede management progress. Herein, we describe the likely origin of the 70% parameter and the science to support why this metric measuring success of an elimination program is inaccurate.