Genetic Population Structure of Wild Pigs in Southern Texas

Wild pigs are the most abundant wild exotic ungulate in the United States. In Texas, particularly, they are abundant and represent a threat to ecosystems, agriculture and humans. Our objective was to apply a landscape-scale analysis of population genetic structure of wild pigs to aid in their management in southern Texas. We used microsatellites to assist large-scale applied management. We found that some populations were isolated from one another. However, many individuals and local populations were admixed, which indicates that multiple introductions and artificial movement of individuals has occurred. Wild pig management efficiency and effectiveness may be able to improve if illegal translocations stop (e.g., enforcing laws) and if management cooperatives are created to manage spatially extensive areas of southern Texas.

Citation

related PUBLICATIONS

Importance of Private Lands in ESA Implementation: 50 Years of Reflection and Conservation

June 2, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Understanding the Diet of an Unmanaged Population of Coyotes in Southern Texas

May 22, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Enabling Endangered Species Conservation on Private Land: A Case Study of the Ocelot in Texas

May 19, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Temporal Relationships of Breeding Landbirds and Productivity on a Working Landscape

February 17, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Perspectives on Agricultural Research Organizations: A New Tool for Agricultural Research and Land Stewardship

January 29, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.