Study examines feral pig population in north of Scotland

A new study is getting under way to gather more information about feral pig populations in the north of Scotland.

Camera traps are being set up at a number of sites in the Great Glen where feral pigs are known to roam.

Local people have complained that they are out of control and are damaging grazing land on crofts and farms.

It has been estimated there are a few thousand feral pigs in the wild in Scotland and experts say their numbers could increase significantly over the coming years.

Feral pigs can resemble wild boar but some are believed to be hybrids following interbreeding with domestic pigs.

Phase one of the PhD research programme will focus on three areas owned by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) in the Great Glen and neighbouring land holdings.

Over a six-month period a large grid of camera traps will be set up to gather data.

Researchers will also carry out on the ground surveys.

It is hoped this will provide a fuller picture of population size, where the animals are, the sort of habitat they prefer and likely migration routes as they spread.

The second phase of the study will examine areas where there have been unconfirmed reports of feral pigs being present.

The research could help with the development of future management strategies to mitigate the damage feral pigs can cause to agricultural land and sensitive habitats.

The animals could also potentially carry disease, including African swine fever, if it were to arrive in Scotland.

Penny Jack, University of Glasgow PhD student with the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, is leading the research.

She said a "robust picture" of the pig population was needed to be able to plan for the future.

"Thankfully, African swine fever is not yet present in the UK," she added.

"However, were the disease to emerge, feral pigs could contribute to its spread, which could make the economic impact of the disease far more wide-reaching than would otherwise be the case.

"The data we gather will be used to underpin population models, disease risk maps, disease transmission models and to inform management strategies."

FLS area wildlife manager, Tom Cameron, said that feral pigs were an increasing issue for land managers in affected areas and it was important to establish a solid evidence base.

He said: "This research is a great step forward for a co-ordinated approach to managing their numbers."