Spatial correlograms showing the autocorrelation coefficient (r) as a function of distance, 95% confidence intervals surrounding the null hypothesis of a random distribution of feral pigs in north Queensland
Feral pigs occur throughout tropical far north Queensland, Australia and are a significant threat to biodiversity and World Heritage values, agriculture, and are a vector of infectious diseases. One of the constraints on long-lasting, local eradication of feral pigs is the process of reinvasion into recently controlled areas. This study examined the population genetic structure of feral pigs in far north Queensland to identify the extent of movement and the scale at which demographically independent management units (MU) exist. Genetic analysis of 328 feral pigs from the Innisfail to Tully region of tropical Queensland was undertaken. Seven microsatellite loci were screened and Bayesian clustering methods used to infer population clusters. Sequence variation at the mitochondrial DNA control region was examined to identify pig breed. The graphs depict an autocorrelation coefficient (r) as a function of distance: (A) 5 km Distance Class. (B) 10 km Distance Class. (C) 20 km Distance Class.