Feral pigs under surveillance

• Joint trial to establish distribution and population of feral pigs in the south-west

Satellite technology, infrared cameras and thermal imagery are being used over an area extending from Manjimup to Walpole for the first time to determine the range, population and distribution of feral pigs in the south-west.

As part of the trial, up to six feral pigs will be fitted with satellite collars this month.  The collars emit a signal which enables researchers to monitor the pig's movements.  Thermal imagery and infrared cameras will also be used to detect them during fly-overs of the region.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the trial would help to quantify the extent of damage that feral pigs were capable of causing to the environment, native animals and to agriculture.

"The population of feral pigs in the south-west remains unknown because it is difficult to estimate the number of feral pigs across such a heavily forested area. There is also no proven method to determine their numbers," Mr Jacob said.

"However, it is hoped that by the end of the trial, researchers and departmental staff will have developed a technique to provide an approximation.

"To date, two collars have been successfully fitted to feral pigs.  It is anticipated a further four collars will be deployed this month and an additional 14 collars before May 2015.

"The threat of feral pigs cannot be underestimated. They compete with native animals for food and damage vegetation by trampling, wallowing and digging around the edges of watercourses, causing erosion. They also spread environmental weeds and diseases."

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said feral pigs were a risk to the State's agricultural industry. "They damage cereal and vegetable crops, wreck water points normally accessed by stock and they can potentially spread diseases to livestock," Mr Baston said.

"Knowing the locations of feral pigs through tracking can also give an advantage to State agencies in combatting illegal hunting activities."

The trial is a joint initiative of the departments of Parks and Wildlife and Agriculture and Food, South West Catchments Council, Murdoch University and community pest control groups.

       Fact File

• The trial, funded through the State's Natural Resource Management program, will conclude in July 2015

Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800

Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 5400