Learnings from the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program

The damage caused by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Wet Tropics cane growing regions can be significant, with losses in cane proceeds exceeding $1M in certain years within the Herbert sugarcane region. The management of feral pigs is difficult due to the landscape in which the animals are found, the varying success of hunting, baiting, and trapping activities and the overall intelligence of the pest being managed. In 2009, Hinchinbrook Shire (in which the Herbert sugarcane region is located) community partners came together through a coordinated regional approach, while utilising science and management interventions to control the pest animal. Approaches adopted by the group and the various management strategies utilised to manage feral pigs in the landscape of the Hinchinbrook Shire area are outlined.