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Ancient Pig Movements Shaped Asia-Pacific Ecosystems, Study Reveals

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A new genomic study published in Science shows pigs were transported across the Asia-Pacific region by humans for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers analyzed DNA from over 700 pigs, identifying early movements from Sulawesi to other islands as far back as 50,000 years ago.
These early translocations shaped island ecosystems long before agriculture.
Later introductions from Europe during the colonial era complicated pig genetics and current population dynamics.

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Story summary

A new genomic study published in Science shows pigs were transported across the Asia-Pacific region by humans for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers analyzed DNA from over 700 pigs, identifying early movements from Sulawesi to other islands as far back as 50,000 years ago.
These early translocations shaped island ecosystems long before agriculture.
Later introductions from Europe during the colonial era complicated pig genetics and current population dynamics.