I have had hoggies for over 30 years, and this forum is the first place I have ever heard them refered to as hoggers. They have always been called hoggies for slang to seperate them from being confused with hog island boas, which are refered to as hogs.

And no, I do not like the "hogger" slang better and all, might as well call them porker.

PS the balck eastern is simply a melanistic animal.