A Cooperative Approach to Feral Swine Eradication in New Mexico
[Article]
May, Alan
Feral swine have been growing in both number and distribution in New Mexico (NM) for several years. Between 2004 and 2012, the number of NM counties with confirmed feral swine presence grew from 2 to 17. Likewise, concern grew among agencies that manage wildlife and habitat, as well as with ranchers and other property owners. In October 2012, the New Mexico Cooperative Feral Swine Eradication Team consisting of tribal, state, private, and federal partners was formed to pool resources and share ideas regarding how to best manage damage. Team members unanimously agreed that eradication was the preferred approach. Although there were feral swine in roughly half of the NM counties, distribution within those counties was thought to be limited due to lack of water. The team put together an estimate of the financial resources necessary to address eradication with a 6-year time line. In January 2013, the New Mexico Wildlife Services program was awarded