Feral pigs spread deadly pathogen threatening to wipe out ancient Bunya Mountains

The ancient bunya pines are facing extinction as an exploding feral pig population spreads a devastating tree disease through Queensland's historic mountain ranges.

Pig captured during collaring project

The Bunya Mountains are on the brink of destruction, due to plant pathogens being carried by feral pigs.

Dieback is caused by the spread of phytophthora resulting in Bunyas no longer being a viable food source for the local wildlife.

Bunya Ranger Group forest health officer and Wakka Wakka man Adrian Bauwens said the effects of this will result in the bunyas essentially becoming skeletons.

“They’ll lose their canopy, limbs will drop and there’ll be plenty of debris everywhere,” he said.

Bunya tree before and after dieback

Mr Bauwens said bunya trees drop huge crops of currants and nuts that attract feral pigs.

“The pigs will travel through the landscape and drag the pathogen through country which is ultimately leading to the death of these trees,” Mr Bauwens said.

In addition to the ecological impacts to the issues, Mr Bauwens said there’s a cultural impact.

“Historically, people from all over would travel and gather every three years all around South East Queensland and partake in ceremony around the bunya pine,” he said.

“A lot of these plants and animals are tied to people’s cultural identities with totems and such.”

Pig damage in rainforest

Invasive Species Council advocacy director Rece Pianta said the rise of the feral pig population would need to be addressed soon.

“It’s not too late, if there is a concentrated, co-ordinated humane pig culling operation in this part of the world, we can remove this threat,” Mr Pianta said.

Mr Pianta said costs hadn’t been released in regards to damages, however impacts on tourism, visitation and the local economy make it hard to pinpoint a dollar figure.

Mr Pianta said the Queensland government has addressed parts of the problem including putting forward $2m to support the Queensland Feral Pig Action Plan.

“My hopes are high that we can get some action soon because from the evidence that I’ve seen an urgent intervention is needed in the Bunya Mountains,” he said.