THERE has been about 1000 feral pigs killed in far north Queensland and the RSPCA supports it. 

But the animal protection agency has renewed calls for more research into different ways it can control wild animals rather than just killing them.

Acting Climate Change and Sustainablilty Minister Andrew Fraser told The Age the specialist squad of sharp-shooters killed the pigs in a 540,000 hectare area of Lakefield National Park.

“On the first shoot well over 100 large boars – which do the most damage – were killed. But on this recent shoot only about 20 of these very large males were terminated,” he said.

“However, the high reproductive rate and mobility of this species means control needs to be an annual event.”

“Feral pigs can be eco-wreckers, destroying precious ecosystems and biodiversity if left unchecked,” he said.

“Not only do they prey on native ground dwelling frogs and eggs from turtles and freshwater crocodiles, they can significantly disturb waterway corridors, and have the potential to carry exotic diseases.

“The wetlands also support significant diversity in fauna, particularly waterbirds and fish.

“You name it, feral pigs can virtually destroy a national park like this.”