Wild pigs have reputation as a destructive lot. Farmers and scientists alike know that, when they’re too numerous, their constant rooting and wallowing can run roughshod over crops and regenerating ecosystems. The predators that hunt them may have disappeared, or logging or agriculture may have degraded the forest, allowing pig populations to mushroom.
But such destructive tendencies also might be a boon to the overall health of forests in the right circumstances, according to recent research. A study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences on March 3, reveals that when sows build nests on the rainforest floor, they help maintain the balance of tree species diversity in the forest.
Pig nest-building promotes tree diversity in tropical forest: Study
But such destructive tendencies also might be a boon to the overall health of forests in the right circumstances, according to recent research. A study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences on March 3, reveals that when sows build nests on the rainforest floor, they help maintain the balance of tree species diversity in the forest.
Pig nest-building promotes tree diversity in tropical forest: Study