“Ordinarily, invasive and exotic species are a grave threat to native wildlife: outcompeting local species, introducing parasites and disease, and disturbing local ecological regimes. A unique case in the Brazilian Pantanal, however, has turned the tables; here, an introduced mammal has actually aided the conservation of native wildlife.” – Environmental News Network
Pigs were introduced into the Pantanal close on 200 years ago. They have proved to be a strange blessing in disguise. Normally, the impact of feral pigs is hugely detrimental on biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. This is as a result of a huge appetite and their aggressive rooting behaviour. They also play host to numerous diseases and damage plant and small animal populations. However, this has not been the case in the Pantanal.
Previously (prior to 1967 legislation), commercial bush meat hunting was a somber threat to biodiversity in the Pantanal. The introduction of feral pigs relieved a significant amount of hunting pressure on native species, allowing populations a chance to rebound. Most hunters in the Pantanal prefer to hunt pigs as opposed to native wildlife because they are abundant, easily accessible, and provide a substantial amount of meat and oil. Pig hunting has become an important part of Pantanal culture.
So the hunting of feral pigs reduced the pressure on the native species allowing them to bounce back to good levels. There is of course no hunting permitted at Caiman Ecological Refuge, but I believe that it is fascinating to see how a species has made s significant impact on the modern day Pantanal. At Caiman Ecological Refuge the healthy jaguar population keeps the Feral Pig population in check.
Enjoy this video of a Feral Pig eating the carcass of a cow, killed the previous night by a female jaguar
Photographed, filmed and written by Adam Bannister
Inspired by the research of Arnaud Desbiez