Official estimates suggest there are now 23 million feral pigs in Australia, outnumbering the continent's human population of 21 million.
They are the descendants of domestic pigs which explorers such as Captain Cook released as a living larder for future expeditions.
2007-09-28 03:12:59 · 13 answers · asked by Fred3663 7 in Environment ➔ Other - Environment
Can anyone hunt there?That can be bad for the environment,a hog will eat any thing...Wish I could roast a few and give the people an idea on what to do with them.....
2007-09-28 04:36:08 · answer #1 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the more interesting issues of the day. In most areas, feral pigs are an invasive species, generally descendants of domestic pigs of European origin. They reproduce rapidly, reaching sexual maturity at about 1 1/2 years, and living until about 10. They usually eliminate local species. They are a formidable competitor for any species, including humans, who are their only serious predator. On average they add about 1200 square miles per year worldwide to the territory they control. Recent discoveries of giant feral pigs have been traced to domestic pigs bred for size. These can reach weights greater than 1000 pounds, and require only about 3 generations to breed back to their ancestral form, retaining only their size from their domestic ancestors. They are very aggressive omnivores, and one of Man's more serious rivals for supremacy on the planet. Only our technology gives us a clear cut edge. It's interesting to contemplate what the situation would be if the fragile infrastructure of that technology were to fail in a fashion that could not quickly be repaired. The situation is similar on all continents and many other places, but as you say, most severe in Australia.
2007-09-28 06:24:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Larder and feral pigs. Good pun too.
2007-09-28 06:52:16 · answer #3 · answered by BAL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Correct Australia is full of wild pigs.
2007-09-28 03:20:33 · answer #4 · answered by Blokheed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct,but there are cane toads taking over much of Australia and i believe that there is a thriving camel population.
2007-09-28 03:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by shane c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where's your brother Mike ?
And more to the point how come they still beat us at Cricket, Rugby and now football ?? God keep them away from the dart boards!
2007-09-28 03:21:53 · answer #6 · answered by Doodle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Must be hiding somewhere pretty good coz I've never seen one.
2007-09-28 22:10:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As they say in Aus: "get out and 'pull' early, so you don't get an ugly one"
2007-09-28 06:47:19 · answer #8 · answered by nipper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well at least they are keeping the australian forests fertile.
2007-09-28 03:21:13 · answer #9 · answered by mummyyusuf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And they taste mighty fine.
2007-09-28 03:17:25 · answer #10 · answered by neogriff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋