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Exposure of a population of invasive wild pigs to simulated toxic bait containing biomarker: implications for population reduction
Author(s) -
Snow Nathan P,
Lavelle Michael J,
Halseth Joseph M,
Glow Michael P,
VanNatta Eric H,
Davis Amy J,
Pepin Kim M,
Tabor Rustin T,
Leland Bruce R,
Staples Linton D,
VerCauteren Kurt C
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5235
Subject(s) - biology , population , toxicology , pest analysis , integrated pest management , veterinary medicine , ecology , botany , environmental health , medicine
BACKGROUND An international effort to develop an acute and humane toxic bait for invasive wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) is underway to curtail their expansion. We evaluated the ability to expose a population of wild pigs to a simulated toxic bait (i.e., placebo bait containing a biomarker, rhodamine B, in lieu of the toxic ingredient) to gain insight on potential population reduction. We used 28 GPS‐collars and sampled 428 wild pigs to examine their vibrissae for evidence of consuming the bait. RESULTS We estimated that 91% of wild pigs within 0.75 km of bait sites (total area = 16.8 km 2 ) consumed the simulated toxic bait, exposing them to possible lethal effects. Bait sites spaced 0.75–1.5 km apart achieved optimal delivery of the bait, but wild pigs ranging ≥ 3 km away were susceptible. Use of wild pig‐specific bait stations resulted in no non‐target species directly accessing the bait. CONCLUSION Results demonstrate the potential for exposing a large proportion of wild pigs to a toxic bait in similar ecosystems. Toxic baits may be an effective tool for reducing wild pig populations especially if used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Investigation of risks associated with a field‐deployment of the toxic bait is needed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry