Pygmy Hog Population Increases in Assam

Pygmy Hog Conservation Summary

• Species Overview: The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig, standing about 25 cm tall and weighing up to 9.7 kg. It is endemic to grasslands in Assam, India.

• Conservation Status: The population has increased from 6 individuals in 1996 to 194 due to a targeted captive breeding program conducted in Assam.

• Goals: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a target to raise the population to 300 pygmy hogs by 2040 to ensure its sustainability in the wild.

• Conservation History:

  • Initiation: Conservation efforts began in 1971 by British naturalist Gerald Durrell and his trust.
  • Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP): Collaborative effort between the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (UK), Assam Forest Department, Wild Pig Specialist Group (IUCN), and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

• Implementation Partners: The program is implemented by Assam-based organizations Aaranyak and Ecosystems India.

• Breeding and Reintroduction:

  • Initial capture of 6 pygmy hogs for breeding occurred in the Bansbari range of Manas National Park.
  • Captive breeding facility established on the outskirts of Guwahati.
  • First reintroductions to the wild took place in 2008.
  • Current populations are reported in Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, and Manas National Park.

• Significance: The recovery of the pygmy hog population is viewed as a success story in wildlife conservation, reflecting the effectiveness of long-term dedicated efforts and collaboration among various organizations.

• Environmental Conservation Policies: This initiative aligns with India's broader objectives under various environmental conservation policies and commitments to biodiversity preservation, highlighting the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance.

This summary encapsulates the essential facts, statistics, and collaborative efforts in the conservation of the pygmy hog in Assam, reflecting the intersection of species recovery, community involvement, and policy implications.