Funds Aid Parks Against Swine Invasion, Safeguard Resources
TL/DR –
Feral swine are causing extensive damage to over 40 national parks in southeastern U.S. states, threatening natural sites, cultural history, and at-risk species. They were introduced to North America in the 1500s as a food source by early explorers and settlers, and there is now a population of over six million causing significant harm to ecosystems and habitats. To control the issue, the National Park Service is implementing measures such as trapping, euthanizing and public hunting, and has been provided with the tools, time, and support to do so because of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Feral swine pose threat to national sites and endangered species
Feral swine are causing substantial damage to over 40 national parks in the southeastern US, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Canaveral National Seashore. These non-native animals are endangering sea turtles, cultural relics, and at-risk species due to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Park managers are now equipped with resources to control this invasive species.
“Our goal is to protect natural environments, endangered species, and cultural sites,” says Carrie Allison, wildlife biologist for the National Park Service’s Southeast Region. Feral swine are a significant threat to protected species and cultural landmarks, such as sea turtle nests at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Feral swine’s threat to ecosystems and restoration efforts
According to Kelly Irick, the natural resources manager for the National Park Service’s Southeast Region, large landscape restoration is crucial for conserving natural and cultural resources. Feral swine, however, pose a significant threat to these ecosystems and other conservation efforts, including damaging adjacent agricultural lands.
Feral swine: A historical challenge to control
Introduced to the Americas in the 1500s as a food source, feral swine have spread across the southern and southeastern states. Their population has now reached over six million, making them challenging to control. They are resistant to a variety of climates and conditions, and have few natural predators.
Jennifer Sieracki, an invasive animals ecologist for the National Park Service, stresses that feral swine are particularly difficult to control. They can destroy swathes of natural areas, threatened species populations, and irreparably damage cultural sites within a park.
Feral swine’s impact on visitor experiences
Feral swine also affect visitors’ experiences in parks, says Greg Hauburger, Park superintendent. In addition to threatening fireflies, they also destroy wildlife nests and cause extensive damage to restoration areas. He notes that feral swine are a significant problem for Congaree National Park.
Controlling the feral swine population
The strategy is to locate and remove as many feral swine as possible through trapping and euthanizing, targeted shooting, and public hunting, says Irick. If not controlled, feral swine have the potential to wipe out sea turtle nests on national seashores of the southeast.
The Inflation Reduction Act has boosted feral swine control programs and the sharing of resources across the region. The goal is to drive down feral swine populations and ensure parks can maintain their program in the future, Allison adds.
About the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act funds the National Park Service to address critical ecosystem resilience and restoration needs. This provides a historic opportunity to invest in resource projects across the nation, from Alaska to Florida to Maine.
—
Read More US Economic News