12 Sep 2025

Quantifying Wild Pig Damage Reduction Using Before-After-Control-Impact Design at USACE Richard K. Yancey, Louisiana

Abstract: The FY23 research presented in this report is year three of a 3-year research plan to develop a user-friendly ecological-economic framework for rapid assessment of wild pig damage to wetlands. Building off research and findings from the FY21 and FY22 efforts conducted at Somerville Lake, Texas, the FY23 research focused on adapting the sampling frame-work to a forested wetland using a more advanced method for the extrapolation of damage to the whole study area, refining the economic valuation approach with machine-learning techniques, and improving the setup of the before-after-control-impact (BACI) study design estimating damage reduction after a targeted control effort. We estimate that the benefits provided by wetlands lost to wild pigs over a 1-year period in the Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area study area was $234,486 (80% confidence interval, $63,155 to $691,220), and the aerial gunning control effort in the treatment plot provided a 243% return on investment in terms of damages avoided to wetlands.

3 Apr 2025

Advancing a Framework for Rapid Assessment and Economic Valuation of Wild Pig Damage to Wetland Terrain: Year Two of Research at US Army Corps of Engineers Somerville Lake, Texas

Abstract: Wild pigs significantly impact wetlands, yet a standardized method for quantifying and valuing this damage is lacking. This research aims to develop a user-friendly ecological-economic framework for rapid assessment of wild pig damage on wetlands, building on a pilot study conducted at Lake Somerville, Texas, in FY21. The FY22 project advanced methods to value the lost benefits provided by wetlands due to wild pigs and identified methods to adapt and refine the framework for broader application. Additionally, a 65% reduction in wild pig population was achieved by Texas Wildlife Services personnel through helicopter gunning at two treatment sites, which is estimated to have prevented further damage to wetlands.

22 Jan 2024

Framework Development for Rapid Assessment and Economic Valuation of Feral Swine Damage to Wetland Terrain: A Pilot Study at US Army Corps of Engineers–Somerville Lake, Texas

Abstract: The increased spread and presence of feral swine on sensitive natural resources landscapes like wetlands has become a considerable concern on lands managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. In August 2021 a pilot study was carried out at Somerville Lake, Texas, as the first step in a three-year research plan to develop an ecological-economic framework for feral swine damage assessments (FSDA) and valuation. The study sought to quantify and value soil disturbance caused by feral swine trampling, rooting, and wallowing on wetland soils. The primary objective—to develop and test a rapid FSDA prototype—was achieved and represents an important first step to creating a quick and user-friendly damage-assessment framework that also estimates the economic value of the damage observed. With continued testing and development, this rapid FSDA protocol will be of use to all who manage feral swine impacts on landscapes with wetland ecosystems, and findings from this information will be of use for scientifically informed cost-benefit analysis and management decision-making.