FACTORS AFFECTING BAIT UPTAKE AND TRAPPING SUCCESS FOR FERAL PIGS (SUS SCROFA) IN KOSCIUSKO NATIONAL-PARK

An evaluation of the rate and extent of population reduction that can be achieved by trapping feral pigs was conducted in a subalpine area o f Kosciusko National Park in south-eastern New South Wales. Movements of pigs during the programme were monitored by radio-telemetry. In tot al, 142 pigs, including 12 of 17 (71%) previously fitted with transmit ters and known to be still on the study site, were captured over 330 t rap-nights at a cost of $A104 per pig. A model fitted to the change in percentage of bait stations eaten per day relative to the cumulative number of pigs caught estimated a population reduction of 62% of anima ls exposed to traps and only 28% of the entire population. Determinant s of trap success are discussed. During the trapping evaluation and in two preceding seasons, factors that influenced the rate at which bait stations were found and eaten were also examined. Both the locality c haracteristics of bait stations and the time of year were found to hav e significant effects on this rate.