Demography, sociospatial behaviour and genetics of feral pigs (Sus scrofa)in a semi-arid environment

We examined demographics, dispersal, sex-related behaviour, group structure , and genetic similarities of female feral pigs Sus scrofa on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area in southern Texas from June 1993 to December 1995 . Cumulative and seasonal ranges and core areas were calculated for 18 fema le pigs representing three distinct sounders. Simultaneous pairs of radio l ocations were used to assess behavioural associations among pigs, and DNA f ingerprinting was used to determine genetic similarity. Behavioural and spa tial associations largely corresponded to genetic relationships. Similarity of behavioural dendrograms to genetic dendrograms indicated that genetic r elationships of feral pigs played a role in observed population structure. A single discrepancy between genetic and behavioural dendrograms suggested two animals dispersed to an adjacent sounder. Also, one sounder appeared to have been created by fission from a larger, adjacent sounder. Factors that are important keys in understanding the association between genetics and b ehaviour of feral pigs include dispersal, climate, habitat quality, populat ion densities, and sex-related behaviour.