Feral Pig Management Plan, National Feral Animal Control Program

Location: Flinders Island, Tasmania 

There is little data on the prevalence of feral pigs on mainland Tasmania, and their presence is generally considered to be low. Feral pigs are well established on Flinders Island, where they have been present since the 1800’s after being released by sealers and following a shipwreck in 1877, and have increased in distribution in recent years. The current population of feral pigs on the Island is not known, but has likely increased.

Evidence of feral pig activity is now found across most of Flinders Island, extending throughout the northern Killiecrankie area. Feral pigs on Flinders Island are managed in accordance with the Feral Management Plan Flinders Island (2002). This Plan states that it is not feasible to eradicate pigs from the Strezlecki National Park due to the terrain, vegetative cover and resources available. Feral pigs threaten at least 30 native plant and animal species on Flinders Island, with many of these listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992  A range of control methods are being used to manage feral pig populations including trapping, poisoning, shooting and fencing.