A call and suggested criteria for standardizing economic estimates of wild pig damage

• Published in: Crop protection 2023-03, Vol.165, p.106149, Article 106149
• Main Authors: Didero, Nicole M., Ernst, Karina H., McKee, Sophie C., Shwiff, Stephanie A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brazil; Damage; Economic; economic impact; invasive species; Literature review; plant protection; Sus scrofa; swine; Wild pig
• ISSN: 0261-2194; 1873-6904
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106149

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a prolific and destructive non-native, invasive species in the United States. Formal attempts to quantify the economic costs of wild pig presence in the US have been made since the late 1900s, but there has yet to be a critical review of these estimates. The objectives of this research were to (1) systematically review all literature providing economic estimates of direct damage caused by wild pigs in the US and (2) suggest improvements for the utility of future economic estimation efforts. Out of the 235 publications reviewed, 40 publications met review criteria which provided 264 economic estimates of direct damage. Based on the characteristics of the estimates encountered, we discuss gaps in economic estimate research and suggest six preliminary criteria for the improved utility of future economic estimates. Overall, we conclude that estimating the national economic impact of wild pigs in the US in a methodologically robust manner is still out of reach. •An inventory all existing economic US estimates of direct wild pig damage was assessed.•235 publications were reviewed, 40 publications met criteria, 264 estimates found.•To update national estimates of wild pig damage, more robust estimates are needed.•6 criteria for improved economic estimates of wild pig damage are suggested.