Wild pig (Sus scrofa) reproduction and diet in the Rolling Plains of Texas

Abstract

Abstract Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that can negatively impact arid environments. Their invasiveness mainly stems from two aspects of their behavior: diet and reproductive ability. We examined the stomach contents (n = 89) and reproductive tracts (n = 78) taken from wild pigs from June 1996 to October 1998 in the Rolling Plains of Texas. Pigs showed variation in forage categories among seasons. Agricultural crops were used with high frequency in all seasons. Farrowing peaked between December and February, with an average fetal litter size of 4.75 ± 2.67. Older and larger sows tended to have larger litters, but sows as young as 8 months of age were reproductive. We recommend limiting pig access to agricultural crops when possible and trapping when pigs are most nutrient stressed (summer). Control efforts should be most effective immediately preceding the farrowing peak and focused on females >8 months of age.