Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that have occupied Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the early 1900s. The population is in direct competition with native species, inflicts unprecedented damage to plant communities ,... more
Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species that have occupied Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the early 1900s. The population is in direct competition with native species, inflicts unprecedented damage to plant communities , and is a reservoir for disease. The Park implemented a control program in 1959 and has kept detailed geographic records on each removal since 1980, producing over 1500 unique presence locations. To extract the geographic preferences exhibited by the presence locations, we conducted a niche factor analysis by pairing the data with relevant environmental predictors. We then mapped these preferences spatially to create two maps that depict suitable locations to support wild hog presence. Results from this project will inform control efforts and improve our understanding of the population of wild hogs that resides in the Park. K E Y W O R D S distribution modeling, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, invasive wild hog population, niche factor analysis, suitable habitat Recommendations for Resource Managers • We relate presence locations to environmental predictors to quantify preferences exhibited by wild hog removal data points. • The strongest preferences exhibited by the data points are related to understory vegetation and slope. Natural Resource Modeling. 2017;e12132. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/nrm • The data points are most sensitive to changes in elevation and temperature. • Two map products depicting potential wild hog presence were derived. • Map products can be used to better understand the population and to guide future control efforts.
