Assessing whole-sounder removal versus traditional control for reducing invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations.

Background: Trapping is commonly used as the primary management tool in attempts to reduce invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), but traditional trapping techniques are often ineffective. However, recently developed traps permit the capture of entire social groups (sounders) of wild pigs, and the strategy of whole-sounder removal may achieve more effective control. Our objective was to experimentally compare traditional control (TC; primarily traditional trapping, but including hunting with dogs, and opportunistic shooting) and whole-sounder removal (WSR) strategies by assessing density reduction and removal rate after 1 and 2 years of treatment.