DIET OF FERAL HOGS IN THE WESTERN SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS

We determined the diet of feral hogs (Sus scrofa; n = 197) in the semi -arid western zone of the South Texas Plains (STP) from stomachs of an imals collected from autumn 1989 to autumn 1991 (n = 9 seasons). Veget ation made up approximately 93% of the annual diet by volume. Relative food composition and frequency of occurrence within the diet varied ( P < 0.05) on a year and season basis. Diet overlap with large native h erbivores was moderate and competition of hogs with these species may be restricted to times of resource scarcity. Animal matter constituted a small (6.7% annually) and seasonally variable part of the diet. A r eview of threatened and endangered plants and animals within the STP s uggested minimal negative impact by direct consumption by feral hogs, though local and nonconsumptive effects could be substantial.