The wild pig is one of the most controversial topics of conservation in Hawai`i.

Some people feel that pigs are destroying the native forests, and their numbers need to be limited.

Others feel that pigs are a part of Hawaiian culture and an important food source, and should be allowed to proliferate.

Some of the issues:

1. The pig is not a native animal. Only the Hawaiian hoary bat and Hawaiian monk seal are native mammals here. The original small black Polynesian pig arrived with the ancient Hawaiian settlers. The feral (wild) pigs that roam the forests today are a cross between the Polynesian pig and the later-introduced European boar.

2. Pigs play a major figure in Hawaiian culture. The demi-god, Kamapuaa, takes the form of a pig, and is found in many chants and legends.

3. Pigs were of importance to the ancient Hawaiian people because they were a prized source of food. Because they were so valuable, the pigs were not allowed to roam free in the forest, but rather were carefully tended to by the owners.

4. Pigs today are popular for hunting and food. Many people enjoy the sport of hunting, and some people rely on having the meat for food.

5. Pigs do cause damage to forests. They dig up the earth to search for food, and to wallow in the mud. Their snouts, tusks, and hooves are powerful tools that can easily roto-till soil. This is natural behavior for pigs wherever they are. A pig would be just as content to dig up your garden at home.

6. Because Hawaiian forests evolved without the presence of large mammals, such as pigs, the damage done can be severe and far-reaching ...particularly in the rainforests. When the soft forest floor is damaged, aggressive weeds quickly move in that overtake the native plants. When native mosses and lichens that act as sponges to retain moisture are destroyed, it causes more erosion.

7. Pig rooting and wallowing leave areas of mud and standing water that become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes harbor a virus called "avian malaria" that is highly fatal to many of the native birds.

8. Pigs are fast-breeding animals. They can also travel to areas that are difficult for humans to access. Though hunting might help to control the number of pigs in small controlled areas, total eradication will be virtually impossible.

Questions: Should pigs be allowed to run free in any public forest area? Is there a compromise?