Hawaii Island Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Project
The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program responds to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health.
Project Area
The project area will focus on low-elevation agricultural zones located within impaired watersheds outside of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, spanning the Hamakua Soil & Water Conservation District (from Kaieʻie Stream to Waiākea Stream) and extending to the low-elevation agricultural zones within the Shipman area of the Puna Soil & Water Conservation District. These areas have been identified as high priority due to their ecological sensitivity, impaired watershed status, and the extent of agricultural activity occurring within them.
This project will specifically target agricultural zones experiencing high concentrations of long-term feral pig damage, which pose ongoing threats to water quality, soil stability, and agricultural productivity. These targeted areas are also well suited for implementation due to the high concentration of private landownership, allowing for efficient coordination and access. In consideration of public concern, environmental risk, and the operational capacity of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), prioritizing these areas will maximize project effectiveness while maintaining efficiency in deployment, capture, and disposal efforts.
Map(s)
Anticipated Partner Activities
Partner will:
- Meet with APHIS and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to discuss the progress of Program goals and objectives and make modifications and adjustments as necessary
- Collect damage assessment information
- Coordinate with APHIS to:
a. Identify high feral swine damage sites
b. Procure supplies and equipment needed by APHIS to conduct operations
c. Assist APHIS with the maintenance of equipment
d. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
e. Coordinate the facilitation of meat salvage and distribution to the public
f. Assist with the disposal of carcasses
g. Provide outreach and assistance with trapping operations
APHIS will be considered the subject matter experts for implementing feral swine removal and damage reduction activities. Partners will need to collaborate with APHIS personnel when removal activities are requested by participating landowners. All projects will be a collaborative and coordinated effort between the selected partner, NRCS, and APHIS. It is required that APHIS maintains operational control of feral swine management activities.
Monitoring/Evaluation Requirements of Partner
The success of the project will be based on changes in the number of damage complaints and field measurements of feral swine damage before and after trapping. Working with the NRCS partner, efforts will focus on determining damage assessments throughout the operational component of the project. Damage estimates and current cultivated acreage will be done pre and post feral swine removal efforts to estimate the value of agricultural commodity saved and any measurable increases in cultivated acreage.
Partners are required to collect standardized information for trapping operations in accordance with APHIS procedures. Examples of data collected include trap location, number of pigs trapped, location of nearby resources, etc.
Training Expectations
Education will be essential aspects of the project to ensure landowners are educated on the need for removing feral swine, approved techniques, and methods for controlling feral swine populations. Partners are expected to assist with training and educational activities.