AN INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODEL FOR FERAL HOGS IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Authored by Suzanne Lenhart, Rene A Salinas, William H Stiver, Joseph L Corn, Charles Collins, Marguerite Madden, Kurt C Vercauteren, Brandon B Schmit, Ellen Kasari, Agricola Odoi, Graham Hickling, Hamish Mccallum

Date Published: 2015

DOI: 10.1111/nrm.12055

Sponsors: United States National Science Foundation (NSF)

Platforms: C++

Model Documentation: ODD Flow charts

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The expansion of feral hog (Sus scrofa) populations in the United States has resulted in increased efforts to develop and implement control strategies designed to minimize the impacts done by this invasive species. We describe an individual-based model for feral hogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The objectives of the model are to provide an understanding of the population dynamics of this feral hog population and to determine the efficacy of the annual harvest as a population control method. Results suggest that the dynamics of the population are driven by fall hard mast production and the GSMNP harvests currently limit growth of the population, but these control efforts have not reduced the population.

Tags

Protocol Pigs European wild hogs Foods