Feral pigs in Brisbane

Under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 the feral pig is classed as category 3, 4 & 6 invasive animal. You must not move, keep, feed, give away, sell, or release feral pigs into the environment.

Where they live

Feral pigs are widespread across Brisbane. They favour waterway corridors and wetland areas, which provide required food, cover and constant water supply to support local populations.  

Problems caused by feral pigs

Feral pigs are a destructive pest animal, wallowing in shallow water bodies, uprooting and trampling the ground in search of roots and tubers, causing erosion and sediment issues that negatively impact on water quality in and around waterway and wetland areas. They destroy native vegetation and contribute to the spread of weeds. They carry diseases that effect native animals, livestock and people and are known to spread root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Feral pigs’ impact on nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities.

Feral pig food sources

Feral pigs feed on seed, grain, fruit & vegetable crops, underground fungi, tubers and roots. They compete for resources with native species and are known to prey on a wide range of wildlife including small mammals. 

All Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation to manage feral pigs on their land.

Control

Council undertakes an integrated approach to feral pig management to protect Brisbane’s biodiversity in accordance with the actions and objectives listed in the Biosecurity Plan for Brisbane. This includes monitoring, education, trapping and providing assistance to landholders to meet their general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act.

If you would like assistance managing feral pigs, or to register your property as a management location, you can use Council’s online Report it: Feral animal sightings form or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.