survey of wild pig management by livestock producers and peri-urban landowners
In collaboration with the Dr. Samantha Wisely, Dr. Martin Main, and Dr. Nia Morales of UF
Florida is grappling with a wild pig problem. Introduced to the USA in the 1500s, the invasive species is now firmly established across the state, harming pastures, crops, and rural landscapes. In central Florida alone, feral swine damage results in an estimated annual loss of over $2 million in production. Wild pigs also pose a significant threat to sensitive ecosystems, including seasonal wetlands and habitats of globally rare species. The challenges Florida faces mirror those across North America, leading to substantial investment in scientifically robust management strategies for wild pig control.
With 73% of Florida’s land privately held, strategic and consistent wild pig management across public and private land is crucial. Three key steps to successful public involvement in effective wild pig management include increasing public knowledge about the economic and ecological damage caused by invasive wild pigs, promoting the adoption of best management practices by private landowners, and encouraging coordination among private landowners to achieve collective wild pig management objectives.
Our project aims to identify perceived obstacles in implementing effective control measures. The survey, deployed end 2021, informed the development of educational programs for extension agents and stakeholders, and helped identify strategies for efficient and effective feral swine control on private land.
With 73% of Florida’s land privately held, strategic and consistent wild pig management across public and private land is crucial. Three key steps to successful public involvement in effective wild pig management include increasing public knowledge about the economic and ecological damage caused by invasive wild pigs, promoting the adoption of best management practices by private landowners, and encouraging coordination among private landowners to achieve collective wild pig management objectives.
Our project aims to identify perceived obstacles in implementing effective control measures. The survey, deployed end 2021, informed the development of educational programs for extension agents and stakeholders, and helped identify strategies for efficient and effective feral swine control on private land.
