The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP) recently released 15 captive-bred pygmy hogs (9 females and 6 males) into the Kuribeel grasslands of Manas National Park.

About the Pygmy Hog

The Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig and is considered a flagship species for the conservation of tall wet grassland ecosystems.

• It is naturally found in the dense alluvial grasslands of the Himalayan foothills.
• Historically, its range extended from Uttar Pradesh to Assam, including parts of Nepal and Bhutan.
• At present, viable wild populations are largely restricted to Assam, particularly Manas National Park and Orang National Park.

Conservation Status

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Endangered.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I.
• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.

Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP)

The programme operates under the leadership of the Assam Forest Department and is implemented in collaboration with:

• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
• IUCN Species Survival Commission Wild Pig Specialist Group.
• Ecosystems-India.
• Aaranyak (implementation partner).

The programme began in 1996 with the rescue of a small founder population from Manas and initiated reintroductions in 2008.

Key Achievements

• A total of 194 captive-bred pygmy hogs have been released in Assam so far.
• 78 pygmy hogs have been released in Manas National Park since 2020.
• Orang National Park now supports an estimated 250 wild-born pygmy hogs, demonstrating successful species recovery.

Why is it Important?

• Pygmy hogs are indicators of healthy grassland ecosystems.
• Their conservation supports biodiversity, water security and ecological balance.
• Protecting pygmy hog habitats also benefits several other endangered grassland species.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Consider the following statements regarding the Pygmy Hog:

1. It is the world’s smallest wild pig.
2. It is endemic to the grasslands of the Himalayan foothills.
3. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 

One-Line Wrap

The successful reintroduction of pygmy hogs in Manas National Park highlights Assam’s leadership in species recovery and the importance of conserving the unique grassland ecosystems of the Brahmaputra Valley.