31-5 Sat Jan 2 Intrinsic effects on neonate survival of an invasive large mammal Chinn, SM*; Kilgo, JC; Vukovich, M; Beasley, JC; University of Georgia; USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, New Ellenton, SC ; USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, New Ellenton, SC ; University of Georgia sarahchinn@uga.edu
An understanding of factors influencing survival of neonate wild species is important for successful management, particularly for determining drivers of population dynamics. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are non-native in the U.S., where populations are rapidly increasing in part due to high reproductive capacity. Survival of adults is generally high and less variable than younger age classes. However, survival of piglets, and particularly neonates, is largely unknown due to difficulty in capturing and tracking individuals. Our objectives were to locate neonates at the natal nest and quantify survival to six weeks in relation to individual biological attributes and stochastic environmental variables. During 2017-2020, we captured 50 neonates from 15 litters and documented 26 mortalities (52%) over six weeks. Survival was positively influenced by wild pelage coloration, likely as a form of camouflage from predators, as well as sow condition where sows may have higher lactation capacity and flexibility to decrease foraging immediately after birth to remain attentive at the nest. Larger sows may also be better able to defend neonates from predators. Using average temperature of the natal nest area (within 25m), average nest area luminosity and percent canopy cover we created a second set of candidate extrinsic models to assess survival to 10 days. None of these parameters showed a significant influence on survival as the null model was included in the top-ranked models. These are the first data for neonate wild pig survival and will inform population models for the development of management strategies to reduce negative impacts of this destructive invasive species on native ecosystems.