Wild boars and feral pigs (Suidae, Sus scrofa) in the Restinga of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil: Ecosystems of occurrence and preliminary data on environmental impacts

Abstract

The present work reports the ecosystems of occurrence of wild boars and feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in the Restinga of Rio Grande, Southern Lagunar Plain of Rio Grande do Sul State, besides showing preliminary data on environmental impacts. Between November 2006 and February 2009 the presence of S. scrofa was recorded in the following ecosystems: restinga woods (peat wood and sandy riparian wood), salt marsh, coastal dune formations, and oceanic beach. In relation to the phenotypical types, wild boars were found within both wood formations, while feral pigs were sighted within and around the borders of the peat wood. It was not possible to determine the occurring phenotypical types in the salt marsh and coastal dunes, since the presence of S. scrofa in these environments was recorded through the identification of footprints, feces and rooting. The largest rooted area was found in the salt marsh with 49 meter length. The removal of the gramineous and herbaceous vegetation, and seedlings and saplings of arboreal species was verified in rooted areas. Seeds of Syagrus romanzoffiana were identified in fecal samples within the peat wood. These are the first records of wild boars in coastal restinga environments. These accounts include the city of Rio Grande in the list of cities with confirmed occurrence of the species living in the wild, currently amounting to 32 localities.

Key words: invasive exotic species, restinga woods, salt marsh, Suidae.