Understanding the significance of a culturally-valued mahinga kai species (wild pigs, Sus scrofa) for seabird conservation, and for local community, on Aotea (Great Barrier Island)

Abstract

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) have damaging effects on ground and burrow nesting seabird species because they forage destructively, disturbing nests and habitat, and predating upon eggs and chicks. Yet, these impacts are not well understood in Aotearoa. There is also little understanding of how such impacts can be managed on islands where seabirds breed, that are inhabited by human communities who value wild pigs positively as mahinga kai (a source of food). To address these knowledge gaps, I employ a combination of quantitative ecology (ground-based transect surveys, wildlife-camera monitoring, and seabird burrow inspections), and, qualitative social research (social impact assessment, and semi-structured interviews with local community, including pig hunters), on Aotea (Great Barrier Island), in the Hauraki Gulf of northern Aotearoa New Zealand. Research objectives were to quantify pig (and other predator) activity and impacts, and supply relevant social context to inform wild pig management on inhabited islands. Limited evidence for pig impacts was found, although pigs were frequent in suitable seabird breeding habitat, and seabird burrows associated with a presence of pigs were infrequent and located in well-protected sites. Abundant rats, and feral cats, highlight that multi-species predator impacts are an issue for seabird conservation. Socially, pigs are important for food security for some whānau, and hold cultural significance as mahinga kai, making eradication currently unfeasible as a management option to promote seabird recovery. Yet, hunters are permissive of some methods for controlling pigs around seabird breeding areas that are, typically, hard for hunters to access. There is support for managing pigs for broader ecological objectives, from other groups in the community. These findings highlight the complex relationships of humans to valued introduced-species, and the need for management approaches to reconcile a range of ecological, social, and cultural values. On Aotea, focusing pig management on seabird breeding sites in combination with managing other predators, and involving local hunters closely in management planning and implementation, offer feasible ways forward for managing the impacts of pigs and improving the conservation of important seabird species.