Wild Pig

Wild Pig

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Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute ~ Vol. 3:2~ Summer 2018 ~ wildpigs.nri.tamu.edu

In this issue 1 Do Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Have a Place in Wild Pig Management?

Do Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Have a Place in Wild Pig Management? By: Ian Gates, Research Associate – Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute Editor: Josh Helcel, Extension Associate - Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a growing concern across the country, and, unfortunately, Texas seems to have the largest population over other states. Landowners, producers and others concerned with minimizing damages associated with this exotic species often look to emerging technologies to reduce wild pig numbers.  Remotely activated trapping system manufacturers boast higher capture rates over traditional box and corral traps that rely on a mechanical trigger tripped by wild pigs.  Aerial gunning with a helicopter proved to be a viable population reduction tool (Campbell et al. 2010).  Even conventional hunting can be improved through the use of technologies such as night vision, thermal optics and firearm suppressors. Now, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gaining a place in the management toolbox to improve management of wild pigs.   (Continued on page 2)

4 The Many Functions of Wallowing for Wild Pigs 6 NRI Launches New Wild Pig Website  7 Trending Articles and Videos

Emerging Uses of UAVs 

UAV Uses in Wild Pig Research

From recreational flying by hobbyists to commercial uses

Many UAVs can be equipped with infrared or thermal

like construction or even military applications, today’s

sensors as well as low light cameras which aid in the

UAVs are fast becoming a daily tool to complete tasks in

detection of the primarily nocturnal wild pig.  While

a more efficient way.  For instance, the largest retailer in

research efforts have focused mainly on agricultural crop

the world, while currently limited by aviation

monitoring and damage assessment (Michez et al. 2016;

regulations, is already poised to deliver packages to your

Steinbrucken 2013), UAVs equipped with these kinds of

door with UAVs.  Researchers and agricultural producers

systems are also being used gain a bird’s-eye view of wild

have taken notice of UAV benefits, and have begun

pigs, their trails and loafing areas.  Additionally, UAV

incorporating this technology into agricultural

systems are being developed that have the ability to

production.  In fact, 80-90% of the anticipated growth in

discern the difference between damage specifically caused

the UAV market by 2025 is projected to come from the

by wild pigs and other sources of damage (Rutton et al.

agricultural sector (Stehr 2015).  From sensing and

2018).  

mapping the methane emissions of cattle to detecting the ideal ripeness of fruits through their ethylene levels (Pobkrut et al. 2016), UAV use in agriculture is well underway and seemingly here to stay.  

Unmanned aerial vehicles use will progress along with the need, technology and acceptance of this tool.  For instance, improvements to UAV flight controllers and other sensors are already translating to the actual pilot becoming less of a necessity and more of a safety precaution.  In the not too distant future, UAVs will be able to perform their duties autonomously.  Provided a number of regulatory hurdles involved with autonomous aircraft are resolved, this could mean a big win for agricultural production or crop protection.

Crop damage due to wild pigs can be efficiently documented by UAVs (Texas A&M AgriLife Photo by Boone Holliday)   

For instance, UAV sensors can identify differences in damage signatures caused by flooding and other sources as opposed to wild pigs.  This kind of research could potentially lead to streamlined and efficient crop loss documentation for insurance claims in the future.  Other UAV research efforts involve direct wild pig monitoring and surveys for population estimates (Racanelli et al. 2018).  This research demonstrates an emerging role for UAV systems in wild pig management, with implications for more efficient control measures in the future.  

The Potential Role of UAVs in Wild Pig Control Researchers, producers and agencies such as Texas Wildlife Services are already utilizing UAVs to gain a better understanding of crop destruction caused by wild Fully autonomous aerial vehicles will be capable of both flying and charging without the need of human involvement. Click the image above to learn more about autonomous drones.

pigs, especially on lands which may be difficult or time consuming to access.  However, UAVs are also being  2

used to scout for wild pigs, identify areas they frequently

Flying with someone that already uses the UAVs is

inhabit and to determine their access points onto a

encouraged, and practicing will increase your comfort

property.  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws

level in operating the aircraft.  Whether using UAVs

and certification procedures in Texas are strict and for

commercially or non-commercially, a pilot should know

good reason, so direct control efforts from an UAV are

and understand all applicable rules and regulations for

extremely unlikely.  More realistic uses for the UAVs in

UAV operation in their state before operating any aircraft.

wild pig control in the future will most likely be in a

Although UAVs are not the sole answer to wild pig or land

supporting role that increases the efficacy of legal control

management, they are emerging as another tool that should

methods.  One example could be to utilize an

receive consideration.   

autonomous thermal equipped UAV to locate sounders for trapping, hunting or aerial gunning with helicopters. Another could be to efficiently determine potential

Literature Cited Campbell, T.A, D.B.Long and B.R. Leland. 2010. Feral swine

snaring locations by flying a UAV around a property’s

behavior relative to aerial gunning in southern Texas. The Journal of

perimeter fence instead of spending all day driving to

Wildlife Management. 74(2)

scout snare sites.  While the primary limitations of UAV today are mostly regulatory, numerous possible uses for UAVs in wild pig control exist that could come into play in the future.

Michez, A., K. Morelle, F. Lehaire, J. Widar, M. Authelet, C. Vermeulen and P. Lejeune. 2016. Use of unmanned aerial system to assess wildlife (Sus scrofa) damage to crops (Zea mays). Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems, Vol. 4, No. 4 : pp. 266-275. https://doi.org/10.1139/juvs-2016-0014

Pobkrut, T., T. Eamsa-ard and T. Kerdcharoen. 2016. Sensor drone for aerial odor mapping for agriculture and security services. 13th International Conference on Electrical Engineering/Electronics, Computer, Telecommunications and Information Technology (ECTICON), Chiang Mai, pp. 1-5. doi: 10.1109/ECTICon.2016.7561340

Rutten, A., J. Casaer, K. Cox and H. Leirs. 2018. Assessing agricultural damage by wild boar (Sus scrofa) using drones. Institute for Nature and Forest Research, University of Antwerp. Conference proceedings from the international wild pig conference, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Stehr, N.J. 2015. Drones: The newest technology for precision agriculture. Natural Sciences Education. 44:15-04-0772. An important aspect of UAV use are the laws & regulations

doi:10.4195/nse2015.04.0772

pertaining to their use. Click the image above to learn more about Texas laws & regulations when operating UAVs.

Steinbrucken, B. 2013. A comparison of survey methods for monitoring crop damage by wild boar (Sus scrofa). BIOM32. Lund

Conclusion

University Libraries. Id:4123606

Although it may seem intimidating, getting to know the ends and outs of UAVs has become easier.  Many people can pick up a controller and within a few hours become competent in flying simple recreational UAVs.  Those who live near large cities may readily find groups that offer flight lessons and companies that rent UAV equipment at reasonable rates.  There are many great options among UAV types, but it is a good idea to try different ones before purchasing a particular aircraft.  

Ian Gates is a Research Associate for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute. Click the image to the left to learn more about Ian and his work with innovative technologies including autonomous vehicles.  333

The Many Functions of Wallowing for Wild Pigs By: Shelby McCay, Student Technician Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute Editor: Josh Helcel, Extension Associate Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute

Wallowing is defined as coating the body surface with mud or a mud-like substance and while this behavior is not found exclusively in wild pigs (Sus scrofa) (rhinos, elephants, bovids and deer will also wallow) it is most commonly attributed to them (Bracke 2011).  You may be wondering, why do they wallow?  What function does it serve?  As it turns out there are a variety of reasons why pigs wallow and we will explore each further here.  Thermoregulation Both wild and domestic pigs are prone to overheating due to their lack of sweat glands and so they must use other methods to regulate their body temperature. These include moving during the cooler hours of the day, occupying shaded areas, or wallowing.  In Texas, wild pigs typically wallow during mid-day throughout the summer and into the early fall months in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day.  As average temperatures begin to decline, wallowing becomes less of a necessity for cooling and more of an opportunistic behavior.  So why do they use mud to cool off instead of just getting directly in water? One study showed that it took two hours for the water in the mud on wild pigs to evaporate compared to only 15 minutes for just water (Ingram 1965).  Essentially, layers of mud can serve as a kind of long lasting “wet suit” to keep wild pigs cool in warm environments (Bracke 2011).

FUN FACT: Wild pigs are strong swimmers and have been known to cross open waters up to 4 miles across. Click the image above to learn more

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Health Benefits

wallowed mainly in the autumn months when

In addition to aiding in thermoregulation, the mud layer

temperatures and parasitic loads were low.  So if

wild pigs obtain from wallowing can provide multiple

thermoregulation and parasite removal weren’t driving

health benefits. Research has shown that mud can serve

the wallowing behavior in the males, what was? To try to

as a kind of protective layer against biting insects (Nalin

figure this out, the study also looked at the reproductive

1996) and sunburn (Gegner 2001). One study found that

systems of sows and found that the primary breeding

wallowing could potentially help wild boars disinfect

season stretched from the last part of October into the

wounds caused by fighting through the bactericidal

first part of November which overlapped with the

properties of the mud (Fernández-Llario 2005). Wild pigs

increased wallowing behavior in the males. This suggests

can carry a variety of ectoparasites, including fleas, lice

that there may also be a sexual function to wallowing for

and ticks (Schuster 2011) and they usually carry the

wild pigs, although further studies are needed to confirm

highest parasite load in the summer months (Bracke

this potential connection.

2011).  Ticks in particular are commonly found behind the ears and on thin skinned areas where wild pigs have a hard time reaching (Bracke 2011) and are one of the most common ectoparasites found on wild pigs.  In a study conducted in Texas, seven different species of ticks were found on wild pigs across eight eco-regions (Sanders et al. 2013).  Wallowing can help wild pigs to remove some of these ectoparasites as the mud layer can trap some of them and the pigs can later remove by rubbing on either natural or manmade objects. Wild pigs will often intelligently seek out telephone poles and posts treated with creosote achieve this, as the compound is toxic to ectoparasites.  In areas with high wild pig activity, visible markings from their rubbing behavior can often be found. 

Research indicated that wallowing may also serve a role in wild pig reproduction. While more research is needed, adult males (boars) increased wallowing activity during active breeding periods. 

Conclusion Wallowing is unique behavior that serves many functions for wild pigs, but it does have negative environmental impacts on our Texas’s water systems.  Wallows can affect watersheds by muddying waters, creating bank erosion, creating algae blooms, destroying aquatic vegetation, and decreasing livestock use and fish production (Stevens 2010, eXtension 2012, Helcel et al. 2018).  Defecation by wild pigs adds E. coli bacteria and pathogens to the water and can result in impairments and reduced ecosystem efficiency (Peterson et al. 2012, Helcel et al. 2018).  This fecal contamination can transmit pathogens that can threaten agricultural production, Wallowing and rubbing behavior helps to rid wild pigs of fleas, lice

livestock productivity, wildlife, and limit human use

and ticks. Click the image above to learn more.

(Helcel et al. 2018). Consistent and widespread abatement A Reproductive Function of Wallowing?

efforts remain important in reducing the damages

In a 2005 study, Fernàndez-Llario looked at the wallowing

associated with wild pigs, and can lead to improved water

behavior of wild boars in Spain and found that males

quality, habitat and overall ecosystem functionality.

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Literature Cited Bracke, M.B.M. 2011. Review of wallowing in pigs: Description of the behaviour and its motivational basis. Applied Animal Behavior Science 132, 1-13.

eXtension. 2012. Feral Hog Behavior. http://articles.extension.org/pages/64381/feral-hog-behavior.

Fernández-Llario, P., 2005. The sexual function of wallowing in male wild boar (Sus scrofa). Journal of Ethology. 23, 9–14. Ingram, D.L., 1965. Evaporative cooling in pig. Nature 207, 415–416.

Gegner, L., 2001. Considerations in organic hog production. ATTRA’s organic matters series. http://www.organicagcentre.ca/Docs/ ATTRA/hog production2001.pdf.

Helcel, J., Teel, P., Tyson, M., Cash, J., Hensley, T., and Cathey, J.C. 2016. Wild Pigs and Ticks: Implications for Livestock Production, Human and Animal Health. AgriLife Extension Service. https://wildpigs.nri.tamu.edu/media/1293/ewf-033-widlpigs-and-ticks-implications-for-livestock-production-human-andanimal-health.pdf.

Shelby McCay is a student technician with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute.  Click the image above to learn more about Shelby and her recent accomplishments.

Helcel, J., Cobb, F. and Cathey, J. 2018. Wild pigs negatively impact water quality: Implications for land and watershed management. AgriLife Extension Service. https://wildpigs.nri.tamu.edu/media/1187/enri-005-widl-pigsnegatively-impact-water-quality-implications-for-land-andwatershed-management.pdf.

Nalin, D.R., 1996. O come, let us wallow in glorious mud’ Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 90, p. 717. Peterson, J., Cathey, J., Wagner, K. and Redmon, L. Lone Star Healthy Streams Feral Hog Manual. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. http://www.agrilifebookstore.org/Lone-Star-HealthyStreams-Feral-Hog-Manual-p/esc-005.htm.

Sanders, D.M., A.L. Schuster, P. W. McCardle, O. F. Strey, T. L. Blankenship, and P. D. Teel. 2013. Ixodid ticks associated with feral swine in Texas. Journal of Vector Ecology. 38:361–373.

Stevens, R.  2010.  The feral hog in Oklahoma. The Samuels Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA.  

Schuster, A.L. 2011. Spatial and Temporal Survey of Feral Pig Ectoparasites in Three Texas Wildlife Districts (Doctoral Dissertation).   http://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/handle/1969.1/ETDTAMU-2011-12-10290/SCHUSTERDISSERTATION.pdf;sequence=2. 

NEW WILD PIG WEBSITE ! Click the image above to visit Texas A&M Natural Resource Institute's new wild pig website.  Find out about upcoming events  Get the latest wild pig news Access free wild pig resources Report wild pigs  and more!

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This publication was developed by the Enhancing Feral Hog Management Project, with funding support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a Clean Water Act §319(h) Nonpoint Source grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.

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