Investigating the Occurrence and Damage of Wild Pig (Sus scrofa) in Cassava Ecosystems of Kerala


Year : 2024 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 03 | Page : 16-20
    By

    Ranjith M T,

  • Mani Chellappan,

  • Vipin Chaudhary,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala, India
  2. Professor, Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India
  3. Project Co-Ordinator, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The study investigates the occurrence and impact of wild pigs on cassava crops in selected locations of Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala, spanning from July 2022 to May 2023. Data were collected from 10 sites, where each 1-acre field was divided into 5 quadrants for monitoring. The presence of wild pigs was tracked weekly through pug marks, infrared cameras, and farmer reports, while the extent of cassava plant damage was recorded, allowing for the calculation of percentage damage. Results revealed significant differences in wild pig populations and plant damage across locations. The highest mean number of wild pigs was observed in Chelakkara (11.46) and Vandazhi (11.18), correlating with higher plant damage percentages, particularly in Vandazhi (4.29%). In contrast, Vaniyampara recorded the lowest pig population (6.09) and minimal plant damage (1.36%). Yield loss analysis indicated that Vandazhi experienced the most significant reduction in cassava yield (374.66 kg/acre), while Vaniyampara had the lowest loss (118.77 kg/acre). These findings highlight the influence of geographical features on wild pig activity and their detrimental effects on cassava cultivation, emphasizing the need for targeted wildlife management strategies to mitigate crop damage and support sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Keywords: Wild pig, cassava, plant damage, yield loss, wildlife management

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology ]

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How to cite this article:
Ranjith M T, Mani Chellappan, Vipin Chaudhary. Investigating the Occurrence and Damage of Wild Pig (Sus scrofa) in Cassava Ecosystems of Kerala. Research & Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2024; 13(03):16-20.
How to cite this URL:
Ranjith M T, Mani Chellappan, Vipin Chaudhary. Investigating the Occurrence and Damage of Wild Pig (Sus scrofa) in Cassava Ecosystems of Kerala. Research & Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2024; 13(03):16-20. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjovst/article=2024/view=181642


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 03
Received 07/10/2024
Accepted 28/10/2024
Published 08/11/2024
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