Mr Barton has said he doubted the eradication program was reducing the spread of feral pigs despite its success.

Feral pigs are recognised as a significant threat to biodiversity conservation due to predation, habitat destruction, competition for food and disease transmission.

Since 2006 DEC has spent more than $650,000 on controlling the pigs and Mr Barton said the program aimed at reducing pig numbers on the Swan coastal plain and across the lower south west would protect key biodiversity assets.

“The ultimate goal of this program is to control and, if feasible, eradicate pigs from the region using a range of control measures including baiting, trapping and shooting,” he said.

“This will help to protect ecological communities and vulnerable endangered flora and fauna populations that are impacted by feral pigs.”

The warmer months are believed to be the best time to catch the pigs and the 2009 trapping and baiting season has already started.

Seventeen pigs were caught in the Serpentine-Jarrahdale region last week and feral control officers will spend up to eight weeks catching the wild animals.

Some concern has been expressed by DEC personnel in relation to the propensity of some people to catch pigs before releasing them to be hunted for sport.

“We are investigating illegal activities associated with hunting feral pigs and the suspected illegal transport and introduction of feral pigs across the south west,” Mr Barton said.

“Putting a stop to these activities will go a long way towards reducing the impact of feral pigs.”