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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(8)

Ecological impacts of feral pig diggings in north Queensland rainforests

J. Mitchell A E , W. Dorney B , R. Mayer C and J. McIlroy D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 187, Charters Towers, Qld 4820, Australia.

B Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 20, South Johnstone, Qld 4859, Australia.

C Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 1085, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.

D 38 Hempleman Drive, Akaroa, 8161, New Zealand.

E Corresponding author. Email: jim.mitchell@dpi.qld.gov.au

Wildlife Research 34(8) 603-608 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR06065
Submitted: 6 June 2006  Accepted: 2 October 2007   Published: 18 December 2007

Abstract

This two-year study examined the impacts of feral pig diggings on five ecological indicators: seedling survival, surface litter, subsurface plant biomass, earthworm biomass and soil moisture content. Twelve recovery exclosures were established in two habitats (characterised by wet and dry soil moisture) by fencing off areas of previous pig diggings. A total of 0.59 ha was excluded from further pig diggings and compared with 1.18 ha of unfenced control areas. Overall, seedling numbers increased 7% within the protected exclosures and decreased 37% within the unprotected controls over the two-year study period. A significant temporal interaction was found in the dry habitat, with seedling survival increasing with increasing time of protection from diggings. Feral pig diggings had no significant effect on surface litter biomass, subsurface plant biomass, earthworm biomass or soil moisture content.


Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Dr Chris Johnson for his support. The Rainforest CRC and the Department of Natural Resources and Water provided financial support for this study. Several university students assisted – thanks to Geoff Andersson, Steve Locke, Leon Hill and Cathy Brennan. Thanks go to the staff of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at Edmund Kennedy National Park.


References

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