Feral pigs breed like rabbits
Recent reports of feral pig activity in the Shires of Toodyay, Northam, Wandering, Gidgegannup, Chittering and Gingin have reignited calls for more to be done to manage feral pigs in the Avon Arc.
Currently this area has no Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) to coordinate and assist with management of this growing problem. RBGs are funded by landholder levies which is matched dollar for dollar by the State Government.
RBGs provide a strategic approach to declared pest management according to what the landholders see as priorities in the group’s region.
Feral pigs are voracious breeders and feeders and can wreak extensive damage on our environmental and agricultural systems.
Look out for areas that look like they have been ploughed up in a random way or waterways that have been disturbed by wallowing. It is much more likely that you will see feral pig activity before you see them in person as they are very people shy.
Signs of pig activity photo look like this:
Rosemary Madacsi has been involved in managing the feral pig issue for many years as a Shire of Toodyay councillor. She is a part of the WA Feral Pig Group and has invested many hours in lobbying for more resources to prevent further spread of Feral pigs throughout the Toodyay Shire.
“We need to be strategic in our approach to managing feral pig numbers as random shooting of individuals or ineffective trapping can lead to a population of super smart pigs that are unable to be seen or trapped.” Councillor Madacsi states. “In my research on the subject, Canada [has been identified in] a case study of how hunting individual pigs had become ineffective as it essentially only killed the ‘dumb’ pigs”.
It is important to report sightings and record evidence of feral pig activity so that the extent of the issue is quantified and funding can be directed to where it is needed most.
If you have noticed feral pig activity in your area, please register your sighting at the link below. This information helps identify the extent of the issue and direct resources to manage the issue in a more strategic way.
You can gain more information on how to effectively identify feral pig activity and plan how to manage them using information from the National Feral Pig Action Plan.
Published eNews #407 – October 2025