SREL Reprint #1788

Distinguishing feral hogs from introduced wild boar and their hybrids: a review of past and present efforts

John J. Mayer1 and I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr.2

1Westinghouse Savannah River Company, P.O. Box 616, Aiken, SC 29802
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802

Abstract: Three types of introduced wild swine have been found in the United States: feral hogs, Eurasian wild boar, and hybrids between these two types. Attempts have been made over the past 50 years to determine identifying characteristics that will reliably distinguish among the three types. Such attempts have been based upon morphological, cytological, electrophoretic, molecular genetic, and behavioral characters, and are reviewed here. Identifications based on morphology have been partially successful. Cytological studies have had only limited success. Electrophoretic analyses have had some success in discriminating between localized populations of the three forms. Molecular genetic differentiation of the three forms based on DNA. may have some potential, but research in this area is only beginning. Behavioral differences have been anecdotal and unsubstantiated. Based on what is now known, the identification of completely reliable defining characteristics for the three forms has yet to be achieved.

SREL Reprint #1788

Mayer, J. J. and I. L. Brisbin, Jr. 1993. Distinguishing feral hogs from introduced wild boar and their hybrids: a review of past and present efforts. pp. 28-49 In: C. W. Hanselka and J. F. Cadenhead. (Eds.). Feral Swine: A Compendium for Resource Managers. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, San Angelo, TX.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).