Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal
Abstract Understanding factors influencing survival of neonates for wild species is important for successful management, particularly for determining drivers of population dynamics. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are invasive and populations are rapidly increasing in part due to high reproductive capacity....
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2021-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90495-x |
| _version_ | 1819038933871230976 |
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| author | Sarah M. Chinn John C. Kilgo Mark A. Vukovich James C. Beasley |
| author_facet | Sarah M. Chinn John C. Kilgo Mark A. Vukovich James C. Beasley |
| author_sort | Sarah M. Chinn |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Understanding factors influencing survival of neonates for wild species is important for successful management, particularly for determining drivers of population dynamics. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are invasive and populations are rapidly increasing in part due to high reproductive capacity. Survival of adults is generally high, however, survival of piglets, and particularly neonates, is largely unknown. We located neonates at the natal nest and quantified survival in relation to individual and maternal biological attributes, and environmental variables. During 2017–2020, we captured 50 neonates from 13 litters and documented 28 mortalities (56%) over six weeks. Survival was positively influenced by pelage coloration, likely as a form of camouflage from predators. Male neonates had higher survival. They were born larger than females, which could be beneficial for thermoregulation and competition for milk. Neonates born to larger sows had lower survival. Sow size was positively correlated with litter size, and this finding may reflect the increased nutritional demands of sustaining large litters, or difficulties in defending more neonates against predators. Neonates born in warmer months had higher survival than those born in cooler months. Neonates are inefficient thermoregulators, thus being born in warmer months could be beneficial for maintaining homeostasis as well as access to more food resources. These are the largest and most complete 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T08:45:11Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-718aeb9162f542a99ec060d609340200 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T08:45:11Z |
| publishDate | 2021-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-718aeb9162f542a99ec060d6093402002022-12-21T19:09:50ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222021-05-0111111210.1038/s41598-021-90495-xInfluence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammalSarah M. Chinn0John C. Kilgo1Mark A. Vukovich2James C. Beasley3University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryUSDA Forest Service Southern Research StationUSDA Forest Service Southern Research StationUniversity of Georgia Savannah River Ecology LaboratoryAbstract Understanding factors influencing survival of neonates for wild species is important for successful management, particularly for determining drivers of population dynamics. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are invasive and populations are rapidly increasing in part due to high reproductive capacity. Survival of adults is generally high, however, survival of piglets, and particularly neonates, is largely unknown. We located neonates at the natal nest and quantified survival in relation to individual and maternal biological attributes, and environmental variables. During 2017–2020, we captured 50 neonates from 13 litters and documented 28 mortalities (56%) over six weeks. Survival was positively influenced by pelage coloration, likely as a form of camouflage from predators. Male neonates had higher survival. They were born larger than females, which could be beneficial for thermoregulation and competition for milk. Neonates born to larger sows had lower survival. Sow size was positively correlated with litter size, and this finding may reflect the increased nutritional demands of sustaining large litters, or difficulties in defending more neonates against predators. Neonates born in warmer months had higher survival than those born in cooler months. Neonates are inefficient thermoregulators, thus being born in warmer months could be beneficial for maintaining homeostasis as well as access to more food resources. These are the largest and most complete 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.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90495-x |
| spellingShingle | Sarah M. Chinn John C. Kilgo Mark A. Vukovich James C. Beasley Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal Scientific Reports |
| title | Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| title_full | Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| title_fullStr | Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| title_full_unstemmed | Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| title_short | Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| title_sort | influence of intrinsic and extrinsic attributes on neonate survival in an invasive large mammal |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90495-x |
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