Hogs

8 Pages 2100 Words

dominant. Good feral hog habitat in timbered areas consists of diverse forests with some openings. The presence of a good litter layer to support soil invertebrates and/or the presence of ground vegetation affording green forage, roots, and tubers is desirable. Hogs are also fond !
of marsh and grass-sedge flats in coastal areas, particularly if wild grapes are common. During hot summer months, "wallows," or depressions dug in the mud by feral hogs, are much in evidence near marshes or standing water, such as along roadside ditches.
The effects of feral hogs can be seen throughout GA. Introduced in the 1540’s by James Edward Ogelthorpe on the GA coast. The best representation seen today of clear habitat destruction could possibly be on Ossabaw Island. The effects of hogs can be seen differently by many people on the island. A big effect of feral hogs on the island is their appetite for loggerhead sea turtle eggs. Feral hogs account for an 80% loss of sea turtle eggs every nesting year. This protected species suffers great losses as the nests are uprooted by hogs. Non-game officials spend much of their time placing screens up around the turtle nests. The hogs may not eat all of the eggs, but the disturbed nest is now vulnerable to predation by raccoons or birds. The 9,000 acre island does not have enough resources to support the most recent 45 deer per square mile population plus hogs. The constant browse line may be a factor of deer and feral donkeys, but the hog’s diet of acorns deplete the !
needed stock for deer, squirrels, and other species.
and increased mixing of soil horizons.
They are excellent competitors and often out compete other animals. They will eat anyt...