the development of indicators for how and when to undertake feral pig control work for a particular region or ecosystem. These indicators need to include triggers related to space and time, and may be developed as part of the research described above. Importantly, further research should be undertaken into the effectiveness of feral pig control methods. The results of this research need to be communicated to land managers so that they can adopt these methods and achieve better outcomes for threatened species and ecological communities. Collaborative applied research projects may allow specific knowledge gaps to be targeted and filled, and bring additional benefits of knowledge exchange and connection. Understanding and quantifying the environmental impacts of feral pigs on threatened species and ecological communities works towards the goals of the threat abatement plan, by providing a better understanding of how feral pigs can be controlled, or how other measures can be taken to lessen the impact of feral pigs. Understanding the potential opportunities for range expansion and population growth and therefore impacts across all areas of Australia, particularly south-eastern Australia, will also be important. Action Priority/ Timeframe Outcome Output Key Actioners Action 3.1: Research into feral pigs impacts on nationally threatened, and near-threatened, species and ecological communities. Identified recovery actions should be included in research proposals related to feral pigs. High priority. Years 1–5. Increase in feral pig research activity. Greater understanding of feral pig impacts on nationally threatened, and near-threatened, species and ecological communities. More informed and effective feral pig management. Research papers and reports focused on understanding feral pig impacts on nationally threatened, and near-threatened, species and ecological communities published. Recovery plans, as they are updated, reflect the improved knowledge of feral pig management needs. Commonwealth, state and territory agencies funding or commissioning research. Researchers. As this type of research will require field studies, the involvement of local land managers and groups may provide valuable assistance. Action 3.2: Research into feral pig population dynamics and ecology. A greater understanding of feral pig population dynamics and ecology will aid in feral pig management. Medium priority. Years 1–5. Improved knowledge leading to more informed and effective feral pig management. Research papers and reports focused on understanding feral pig population dynamics and ecology published. Research translates into improved quality and currency of information/ guidance for land managers undertaking feral pig control programs. Commonwealth, state and territory agencies funding or commissioning research. Researchers. As this type of research will require field studies, the involvement of local land managers and groups may provide valuable assistance.
monitoring to enable the evaluation of the effectiveness of feral pig control. Monitoring of appropriately chosen sites will allow the effectiveness of feral pig control to be evaluated, and will allow land managers to change feral pig control actions as necessary. In particular, monitoring of threatened species/ecological communities being impacted by feral pigs can determine whether changes in feral pig abundance caused by feral pig control are resulting in a positive response in those threatened species/ecological communities. Sharing information on effectiveness of control actions will allow other land managers to learn from it. priority. Years 1–5. actions include site monitoring and effectiveness. Increased use of FeralPigScan to improve this platform’s information base and usefulness. refine feral pig control actions. undertaking control programs or contractors working for land managers. Action 4.2: Develop further effective monitoring techniques. High priority. Effective monitoring techniques that can be used by non-specialist land managers. Information to judge the effectiveness of feral pig control techniques. State and territory agencies. Research institutions. Action 4.3: Encourage the use of the existing FeralPigScan platform for centralised recording platform of feral pig control actions and any monitoring/recording of their effectiveness. Issues of data standards, data security and data access may need to be considered. Medium priority. Years 1–5. Increased use of FeralPigScan to improve this platform’s information base and usefulness. Data on where and how feral pigs are controlled available for regional, state/territory and national planning and prioritisation. Australian, state and territory governments to determine feasibility. If this is implemented land managers will need to provide information.
Objective 5: Build capacity for feral pig management and raise feral pig awareness amongst landholders and land managers. Building capacity amongst landholders and land managers will enable them to undertake feral pig management more effectively and confidently. Raising awareness of feral pigs and their environmental impacts amongst landholders and managers will also increase their support for, and participation in, management and control measures. Measures for achieving this will include effectively communicating the outcomes of research. Building capacity in feral pig management links to the goals of the threat abatement plan by providing support for landholders protecting threatened species and ecological communities. There are many diverse views within the broader community, including Indigenous communities, on the value of feral pigs, and these may also vary within groups over time or location (See Background document for detail). Further understanding on how these values may be respected while also undertaking appropriate feral pig management is needed. It is also important to recognise the significant expertise some land managers, including Indigenous land managers, have from many years of on-the-ground experience managing feral pigs, and creating opportunities for the sharing, exchange and capturing of this knowledge. Action Priority/ timeframe Outcome Output Key Actioners Action 5.1: Increase delivery of training courses and/or extension programs to build feral pig management skills amongst landholders and land managers Training courses / extension programs will acquaint participants with: current humane feral pig management products and techniques relevant legislation, including animal welfare legislation codes of practice and standard operating procedures the value of monitoring, and basic techniques for High priority. Years 1–5. Increased capability to manage feral pigs amongst landholders and land managers. More feral pig management undertaken by landholders and land managers. Formal vocational training courses (e.g. Certificate III in Vertebrate Pest Management) available in all states and territories. Where records are available, the ongoing delivery of vertebrate pest management information or training at agricultural and town shows, field days and public meetings. Ongoing access of feral pig training material available on the PestSmart Connect website () (developed by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre). TAFEs, universities, organisations delivering agricultural and natural resource management advice (e.g. Natural Resource Management, Local Land Services, state and territory government departments). Delivery of training takes place formally through courses or workshops and informally through agricultural and town shows, field days and public meetings.
Species or Community Name EPBC Grouping Confidence Comments (may be regionally focussed) (Grey Grasswren (Bulloo) Endangered Bird Perceived There are a number of factors which may contribute to habitat degradation including rooting (digging) by feral pigs. (Southern Cassowary (Australian), Southern Cassowary) Endangered Bird Known Southern cassowary occurs along the eastern part of Cape York. Feral pigs degrade the bird's habitat by water sources. Feral pigs probably compete with Southern Cassowaries for fallen fruit. Pig traps are also known to have resulted in the deaths of some cassowaries. Feral pigs wallowing and rooting around the edges of watercourses and swamps degrade habitat and affect water quality (Eastern Bristlebird) Endangered Bird Known Feral pigs damage habitat, particularly by uprooting Wild Sorghum. (Yellow Chat (Dawson)) Critically Endangered Bird Perceived Current habitat is being grazed by... feral pigs which may be causing long-term habitat degradation. (Yellow Chat (Alligator Rivers)) Endangered Bird Known Immediate threat ... is habitat damage by feral pigs. (Gouldian Finch) Endangered Bird Known In the Northern Territory, habitat degradation by feral pigs can destroy or reduce wet season foraging habitat for these birds. (Partridge Pigeon (western)) Vulnerable Bird Perceived Potential threats include grazing and trampling of by feral animals particularly cattle (Bos taurus), (Equus asinus) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Malleefowl) Vulnerable Bird – Added on advice of Parks Victoria in October 2015. (Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (western)) Endangered Bird Known Identified threats include grazing and trampling of by cattle and feral herbivores, notably water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), donkeys (Equus aqinus) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Crimson Finch Vulnerable Bird Known Grazing mammals such as feral pigs and cattle can riparian habitats during the dry season when they congregate around sources of fresh water and the rank grasses by feeding upon and trampling them.
Plains Wanderer Critically Endangered Bird – Added on advice from Parks Victoria in October 2015. (Golden-shouldered Parrot) Endangered Bird Perceived A shortage of food occurs annually in the early wet season and this can be made worse by intense cattle and feral pig grazing. Pigs and cattle can also destroy the termite mounds that the parrots breed in. (Black-breasted Vulnerable Bird Known Affected by grazing and other disturbances caused by cattle, horses and feral pigs; being ground-nesters, they are also affected by predation by cats, foxes and pigs. (Gove Crow Butterfly) Endangered Butterfly Perceived Feral animals, particularly water buffalo Bubalus and feral pigs Sus scrofa, are on the Gove Such animals are known to damage monsoon rainforest habitat, and may also damage the forest which is the habitat where the Gove Crow Butterfly occurs. (Bathurst Copper Butterfly, Purple Copper Butterfly, Bathurst Copper, Bathurst Copper Wing, Bathurst-Lithgow Copper, Purple Copper) Vulnerable Butterfly Known Feral pigs have been identified as a threat to Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. Lasiophylla), a tall native shrub that this species only occurs in the of. (Furneaux Burrowing Crayfish) Endangered Crayfish (Burrowing) Perceived Feral pigs have previously been identified as a risk to the species through the pigs’ digging. While burrow depth would again appear to protect crayfish from the direct effects of such disturbance, this is an that needs to be addressed. (Dunsborough Burrowing Crayfish) Critically Endangered Crayfish (Burrowing) Perceived Main potential threats include feral pigs. (Walpole Burrowing Crayfish) Endangered Crayfish (Burrowing) – Main potential threats to existing populations include feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Margaret River Burrowing Crayfish) Critically Endangered Crayfish (Burrowing) Perceived Feral pigs could damage habitat through feeding behaviour and prey on crayfish. Endangered Ecological Community Known
Endangered Ecological Community Known Main identified threats include damage from introduced animals such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), dogs (Canis familiaris), cats (Felis catus), and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Endangered Ecological Community Known Critically Endangered Ecological Community – Threat of habitat degradation by feral pigs. White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy and Derived Grassland Critically endangered Ecological Community Temperate highland peat swamps on Endangered Ecological Community Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions Endangered Ecological Community The community of species on natural of groundwater from the Great Basin Endangered Ecological Community (Edgbaston Goby) Vulnerable Fish (Freshwater) Known (Elizabeth Springs Goby) Endangered Fish (Freshwater) Known (Redfin Blue Eye, Redfin Blue-eye) Endangered Fish (Freshwater) Known
(Giant Barred Frog, Southern Barred Frog) Endangered Frog Known Threat of predation by feral pigs. (Southern Corroboree Frog) Critically Endangered Frog Perceived Threat of habitat degradation by feral pigs. (Northern Corroboree Frog) Critically Endangered Frog Perceived Excavation by feral pigs has also been identified as a potentially threatening process for the species. (Sunset Frog) Endangered Frog Perceived (Kroombit Tinker Frog, Pleione's Torrent Frog) Critically Endangered Frog Known Soil disturbance by feral pigs is also likely to greatly the spread of riparian weeds such as mistflower and crofton weed. Feral pigs are also potential vectors of chytrid fungus. At Kroombit Tops, feral pigs have only recently arrived but they have caused significant damage to at least two sites known to support the Kroombit Tinker Frog. Although there may be direct predation by feral pigs, the greatest effect is likely to be the impact of habitat degradation. (Tinkling Frog) Endangered Frog Perceived (Guthega Skink) Endangered Lizard Potential (Nangur Spiny Skink) Critically Endangered Lizard Key threats to the Nangur Spiny Skink include by feral animals, including feral pigs. (Pilliga Mouse, Poolkoo) Note: some DNA evidence suggests this species may be an isolated population of the non-threatened delicate mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus); this may alter this species’ listing in the future, or lead to its de-listing. Vulnerable Mammal (Placental) Known Threat of habitat degradation by feral pigs.
(Yellow Endangered Orchid Known ... feral pigs have adversely affected ... Phaius australis var. bernaysii. (an Vulnerable Orchid Perceived Feral pigs are a potential threat to this species. (Mignonette Cobungra Leek-orchid, Dense Leek-orchid) Vulnerable Orchid – Threat of habitat degradation by feral pig. (Leafy Greenhood) Vulnerable Orchid – Threat of habitat degradation by feral pigs. (Sydney Plains Greenhood) Endangered Orchid – Threat of grazing by feral pigs. Pterostylis sinuata (Northampton Midget Greenhood, Western Swan Greenhood) Endangered Orchid Known Feral pig activity has been observed in most populations. (Cinnamon Endangered Orchid Known As well as grazing the orchids themselves, pigs can destroy the underground tubers of the orchid and also affect the growth of symbiotic fungi that are essential for germination. (an Endangered Orchid Perceived Some populations may sustain damage from feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (an orchid) Endangered Orchid Perceived Feral pigs are a potential threat. (Velvet Jewel Orchid) Vulnerable Orchid Perceived Main potential threats include feral pigs. (a fern) Vulnerable Plant Perceived Main potential threats include feral pigs. (Southern Shepherd's Purse) Endangered Plant Known The feral pigs cause considerable damage to and soils, including Southern Shepherds Purse habitat. (Dense Cord Rush) Vulnerable Plant Known Threat of habitat degradation by feral pig – feral pigs (Sus scrofa) rooting for food, directly damaging the species and surrounding habitat (CA, 2008).
(a vine) Vulnerable Plant Perceived The subspecies’ habitat, monsoon forests, are to feral pigs. (Northcliffe Kennedia) Vulnerable Plant Known Main identified threats to Northcliffe kennedia include disturbance from feral pigs. (a plant) Vulnerable Plant Known Below-ground parts heavily browsed by feral pigs. (Spiny Pepper-cress) Vulnerable Plant Known (Winged Endangered Plant – Threat of habitat degradation by feral pigs. Vulnerable Plant Perceived The subspecies’ habitat, monsoon forests, are to disturbance from feral pigs (an aquatic plant) Vulnerable Plant (Aquatic) Perceived Main potential threats include settlement pressures such as feral animals, especially feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (a plant) Endangered Plant Perceived Other possible threatening processes in the future habitat degradation caused by feral pigs. (a plant) Endangered Plant Perceived Main potential threat to P. tuberculatum is feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Reedia) Critically Endangered Plant Known Main identified threats include predation by feral pigs; feral pigs pose the major threat to the species. (Monaro Golden Daisy) Vulnerable Plant Perceived Potential threats within Kosciuszko NP include feral pig activity (Slender Darling-pea, Slender Swainson, Murray Swainson-pea) Vulnerable Plant Perceived Other threats include disturbance by feral pigs. (Mountain Endangered Plant Perceived Main potential threats to the species include by feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (a herb) Endangered Plant Perceived Feral pigs are present on Bathurst Island and have been introduced to Melville Island. Feral pigs may potentially dig up the tuber of this species. (a herb) Endangered Plant Perceived Feral pigs may potentially dig up the tuber and cause a decline in numbers.
(Bantam Bush-pea, Parris' Bush-pea) Vulnerable Shrub Known Main identified threats include damage by feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (a shrub) Vulnerable Shrub Known Main identified threats include exotic animals, such as feral pigs. (Three-flowered Stachystemon) Vulnerable Shrub Known Main identified threats include trampling by feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (a shrub) Vulnerable Shrub Perceived Main potential threats include disturbance by feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Fragrant Pepperbush) Vulnerable Shrub Known Main identified threats include grazing and trampling by pigs (Sus scrofa). (Black-eyed Susan) Vulnerable Shrub Known Threat of grazing by feral pigs. (a shrub) Vulnerable Shrub Known Main identified threats include grazing by feral pigs, (Sus scrofa). (a shrub) Endangered Shrub Potential Main identified threats include feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (a helicarionid land snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Gray's Helicarionid Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Phillip Island Helicarionid Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Masters' Charopid Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Whitelegge's Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Mount Lidgbird Charopid Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential
(Stoddart's Helicarionid Land Snail) Critically Endangered Snail Potential (Myola Palm, Myola Archontophoenix) Endangered Tree Perceived Potential threats identified are feral pigs. (Ooline) Vulnerable Tree Known Main identified threats include grazing and soil by feral pigs. (a palm) Vulnerable Tree Perceived Feral pigs could cause habitat disturbance (Shiny-leaved Condoo, Black Plum, Wild Apple) Endangered Tree Known Main identified threats include seed predation by and feral pigs. (a small tree) Endangered Tree Perceived Main potential threats to S. stipularis include feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Loggerhead Turtle) Endangered Turtle (Marine) Known The main threats are identified as: predation of turtle eggs by native and introduced animals [including feral pigs]. (Green Turtle) Vulnerable Turtle (Marine) Known Threat of predation [eggs and hatchlings] by feral pigs. (Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth) Endangered Turtle (Marine) Potential Threat of predation [eggs and hatchlings] by feral pigs. (Hawksbill Turtle) Vulnerable Turtle (Marine) Known Egg predation. Predation of nests by feral pigs occurs in Qld. (Flatback Turtle) Vulnerable Turtle (Marine) Known Egg predation. Feral pigs destroy up to 90% of the nests on western Cape York. (Gulf Snapping Turtle) Endangered Turtle (Freshwater) Known Main identified threats to the Gulf Snapping Turtle disturbance to nesting sites by feral animals, such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa). (Fitzroy River Turtle, Fitzroy Tortoise, Fitzroy Turtle, River Diver) Vulnerable Turtle (Freshwater) Perceived Turtles may be vulnerable to predation by pigs, foxes and dogs if forced to move over land due to artificial barriers communal nesting sites along river banks are now heavily exploited by foxes (Vulpes vulpes), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), dingos (Canis lupus).