Alligator farmers have reported the increase in feral hogs has lead to an increase in alligator egg predation.
About 590 alligator nests were destroyed on 36 different properties in Louisiana, according to a paper in the current issue of Southeastern Naturalist. The paper also mentions that reducing the number of feral hogs on a property helps alligator nest survival rates.
Over half (51.4%) of the farmers reported loss of alligator nests in 2011.
Four farmers, some of whom have 20 or more years experience collecting alligator eggs, reported 2011 was the first year in which they have lost nests to feral hogs. Other farmers reported seeing wild hogs while in the field or seeing sign of hogs, which suggests future potential losses may be incurred and that the range and population level is expanding in important alligator nesting habitat in Louisiana.
Nearly all farmers who had nests destroyed by feral hogs (94.7%) reported hog damage is increasing on their properties.