Feral pigs

Pigs were introduced to Australia with the First Fleet and they were often kept unrestrained, allowing them to escape. The number of feral pigs in South Australia is relatively small compared to the northern and eastern states, however increasing numbers are being detected in South Australia, including the Riverland.

Feral pigs descended from domestic pigs but look more like wild boars. They vary in colour from black, rust-coloured or black and white spotted with coarse hair on their lean and muscular body. Prominent necks and shoulders give feral pigs a stocky appearance and they can weigh up to 100kg. Feral pigs have great smell, taste and hearing but their eyesight is poor. Being a highly social animal, they form mobs and are most active from late afternoon to early morning. Some boars prefer to be solitary. Feral pigs tend to live close to water and shade, which is important as they are heat intolerant due to their lack of sweat glands.

Feral pigs are omnivores that prefer green vegetation but will eat a range of animal matter, roots, grains, fruit, eggs, lambs, frogs, fish and turtles. Feral pigs dig up the ground searching for food and these root marks are the most reliable indicator of feral pigs being present.

In favourable conditions, feral pigs can reproduce all year round and at a rapid rate. Sows can start breeding once they reach about 25kg or 6 months of age and can potentially produce 2 litters of piglets a year, with each litter ranging from 4-10 piglets.