Summary
Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) introduced to Auckland Island, New Zealand, in 1807 have significantly disrupted the island's ecosystem. A pilot study aimed at eradicating these invasive species tested multiple methods to address challenges such as biological, logistical, social, and funding constraints that often hinder long-term eradication efforts. The research evaluated the effectiveness of combined techniques for pig removal on a smaller scale, providing insights into strategies that could be scaled up for broader conservation efforts. While the study does not report definitive outcomes, it contributes to the growing body of work on invasive species management in subantarctic environments, offering practical guidance for future restoration programs.
Citation
Cox, F., Horn, S., Bannister, W., & Macdonald, N. (2022). A local eradication pilot study of methods for feral pig eradication on Auckland Island. New Zealand Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.20417/nzjecol.46.3490