required, particularly in light of the re-introduction of Klipspringers (Oreotragus
oreotragus) to the mountain and the need to understand the interactions between the
two species. Hemitragus jemlahicus is listed in NEM:BA as a Category 1a species,
for which mandatory control is required (‘must be combatted or eradicated’—RSA
2016).
22.9.2 Sus scrofa (Domestic Pig)
Invasive populations of Sus scrofa (feral Domestic Pigs and their hybrids) in
South Africa are descendants of Eurasian Wild Boars released by the Department
of Forestry in the 1920s and 1930s, and Domestic Pigs escaped from farms (Measey
et al. 2020, Chap. 5). The original intention was to control Pine Emperor Moth
(Gonimbrasia cytherea) populations in plantations of the Western Cape (Botha
1989). Today, three populations are present on farms and protected areas in the
Western Cape (Skead et al. 2011). The feral pigs eat rare geophytic plants and the
Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) adults, juveniles and eggs, making them a conservation concern. They also have a negative
impact on agricultural crops.
In 2014, feral S. scrofa were listed as Category 1b invaders under NEM:BA. In
2011 CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority, produced a Feral Pig
Management Strategy. The strategy covered effective control measures, monitoring
of the effects of control, and prevention of re-introduction, and presented a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness of the presence and negative
impacts of feral Domestic Pig populations. Starting in 2014, CapeNature conducted
a pilot trial of feral Domestic Pig control by using baited traps and Judas pigs. This
programme resulted in the removal of over 1200 pigs from the Kasteelberg and
Porseleinberg populations, in addition to those removed by the land owners through
hunting. The Kasteelberg population is close to extirpation (van Wilgen and Wilson
2018). The implementation of this project is carried out by a private contractor and
funded by DEA: NRM.
22.9.3 Felis catus (Domestic Cat)
In South Africa, Felis catus is listed as Category 1a on islands, which means that
they must be eradicated from islands. Felis catus has been successfully eradicated on
sub-Antarctic Marion Island (Bester et al. 2002) and on Dassen Island, an inshore
island off the west coast (Cooper and Dyer 2013). The successful eradication of
F. catus from Marion island stands as an outstanding example of the eradication of
an invasive vertebrate globally (see Greve et al. 2020, Chap. 8).
Felis catus has existed as feral populations on Robben Island since the late 1800s
(Measey et al. 2020, Chap. 5). Felis catus is responsible for the deaths of native
small vertebrates, invertebrates, terrestrial and sea birds, and likely poses a threat for
650
S. J. Davies et al.
oreotragus) to the mountain and the need to understand the interactions between the
two species. Hemitragus jemlahicus is listed in NEM:BA as a Category 1a species,
for which mandatory control is required (‘must be combatted or eradicated’—RSA
2016).
22.9.2 Sus scrofa (Domestic Pig)
Invasive populations of Sus scrofa (feral Domestic Pigs and their hybrids) in
South Africa are descendants of Eurasian Wild Boars released by the Department
of Forestry in the 1920s and 1930s, and Domestic Pigs escaped from farms (Measey
et al. 2020, Chap. 5). The original intention was to control Pine Emperor Moth
(Gonimbrasia cytherea) populations in plantations of the Western Cape (Botha
1989). Today, three populations are present on farms and protected areas in the
Western Cape (Skead et al. 2011). The feral pigs eat rare geophytic plants and the
Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) adults, juveniles and eggs, making them a conservation concern. They also have a negative
impact on agricultural crops.
In 2014, feral S. scrofa were listed as Category 1b invaders under NEM:BA. In
2011 CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority, produced a Feral Pig
Management Strategy. The strategy covered effective control measures, monitoring
of the effects of control, and prevention of re-introduction, and presented a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness of the presence and negative
impacts of feral Domestic Pig populations. Starting in 2014, CapeNature conducted
a pilot trial of feral Domestic Pig control by using baited traps and Judas pigs. This
programme resulted in the removal of over 1200 pigs from the Kasteelberg and
Porseleinberg populations, in addition to those removed by the land owners through
hunting. The Kasteelberg population is close to extirpation (van Wilgen and Wilson
2018). The implementation of this project is carried out by a private contractor and
funded by DEA: NRM.
22.9.3 Felis catus (Domestic Cat)
In South Africa, Felis catus is listed as Category 1a on islands, which means that
they must be eradicated from islands. Felis catus has been successfully eradicated on
sub-Antarctic Marion Island (Bester et al. 2002) and on Dassen Island, an inshore
island off the west coast (Cooper and Dyer 2013). The successful eradication of
F. catus from Marion island stands as an outstanding example of the eradication of
an invasive vertebrate globally (see Greve et al. 2020, Chap. 8).
Felis catus has existed as feral populations on Robben Island since the late 1800s
(Measey et al. 2020, Chap. 5). Felis catus is responsible for the deaths of native
small vertebrates, invertebrates, terrestrial and sea birds, and likely poses a threat for
650
S. J. Davies et al.