Nine Pygmy Hogs Released in Assam’s Manas National Park
On October 1, nine pygmy hogs were released into the Manas National Park in Assam by the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP). The pygmy hog, known as the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig, is critically endangered. This release marks the fifth time since 2020 that pygmy hogs have been reintroduced to the park, bringing the total number to 27.
The event was attended by R. P. Singh, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of the Forest Force, Assam. He praised the efforts to reintroduce and restore the pygmy hog population in the park, hoping it would enhance the park’s biodiversity.
A camera trap study in the 2023 release site showed that the hogs are adapting well, with evidence of breeding, including a pregnant female hog captured on camera for the first time in the programme’s history.
The PHCP, which includes partners like the Assam Forest Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, has been working since 1996 to save the pygmy hog from extinction. They have successfully bred and reintroduced 179 hogs in Assam, and for the first time, the reintroduced population may now be outnumbered by the wild population.
Before focusing on Manas National Park, the PHCP also released pygmy hogs in other grasslands in Assam, including Orang National Park. Orang National Park, located about 120 km southeast of Manas, is home to various species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. Fifty-nine pygmy hogs were released there, and the current population is estimated to be 130.
Monitoring the shy and secretive pygmy hogs has been challenging, but the PHCP team uses camera traps and sign surveys to track their movements and health. The hogs have been seen up to 2 km away from their release sites, indicating healthy dispersal.
Manas National Park is crucial for grassland restoration, which supports not only pygmy hogs but also other species. C. Ramesh, Field Director of Manas Tiger Reserve, emphasized the importance of grassland management for long-term water security and ecosystem health.
Dhritiman Das, PHCP Field Scientist, highlighted the need for ongoing habitat and population monitoring to ensure the success of the reintroduction efforts. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO of Aaranyak, a key partner in the programme, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to restore grassland habitats.
The PHCP plans to continue breeding pygmy hogs at its two centers in Assam and release more into the wild. They will use camera traps, sign surveys, and radio-telemetry tracking to monitor the hogs’ behavior and habitat use after release.
Doubts Revealed
Pygmy Hogs -: Pygmy hogs are the smallest and rarest wild pigs in the world. They are very tiny and are critically endangered, meaning there are very few of them left.
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its wildlife, tea plantations, and the Brahmaputra River.
Manas National Park -: Manas National Park is a protected area in Assam, India. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP) -: The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP) is a project that works to save pygmy hogs from extinction. They breed these tiny pigs and release them back into the wild.
Critically Endangered -: Critically endangered means that a species is at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. There are very few individuals left of that species.
Camera Traps -: Camera traps are special cameras set up in the wild to take pictures of animals when they pass by. They help scientists monitor wildlife without disturbing them.
Sign Surveys -: Sign surveys involve looking for signs of animals, like footprints or droppings, to understand their presence and behavior in an area.
Grassland Habitats -: Grassland habitats are areas covered mainly with grasses. They are important for many animals, including pygmy hogs, as they provide food and shelter.
UNESCO World Heritage site -: A UNESCO World Heritage site is a place that is recognized by the United Nations for its cultural, historical, or natural importance. Manas National Park is one such site.