Estimate of herpetofauna depredation by a population of wild pigs
Journal of Mammalogy
By: D.B. Jolley, S.S. Ditchkoff, B.D. Sparklin, L.B. Hanson, M.S. Mitchell, and J.B. Grand
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Herpetofauna populations are decreasing worldwide, and the range of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is expanding. Depredation of threatened reptile and amphibian populations by wild pigs could be substantial. By understanding depredation characteristics and rates, more resources can be directed toward controlling populations of wild pigs coincident with threatened or endangered herpetofauna populations. From April 2005 to March 2006 we used firearms to collect wild pigs (n = 68) and examined stomach content for reptiles and amphibians. We found 64 individual reptiles and amphibians, composed of 5 different species, that were consumed by wild pigs during an estimated 254 hours of foraging. Primarily arboreal species (e.g., Anolis carolinensis) became more vulnerable to depredation when temperatures were low and they sought thermal shelter. Other species (e.g., Scaphiopus holbrookii) that exhibit mass terrestrial migrations during the breeding season also faced increased vulnerability to depredation by wild pigs. Results suggest that wild pigs are opportunistic consumers that can exploit and potentially have a negative impact on species with particular life-history characteristics. ?? 2009 American Society of Mammalogists.
Suggested Citation
Jolley, D., Ditchkoff, S., Sparklin, B., Hanson, L., Mitchell, M., Grand, J., 2010, Estimate of herpetofauna depredation by a population of wild pigs: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 91, no. 2, p. 519-524, https://doi.org/10.1644/09-MAMM-A-129.1.
ISSN: 1545-1542 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Estimate of herpetofauna depredation by a population of wild pigs |
| Series title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| DOI | 10.1644/09-MAMM-A-129.1 |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2010 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Mammalogy |
| First page | 519 |
| Last page | 524 |