Nine Captive-Bred Pygmy Hogs Released to Boost Conservation in Manas National Park
Manas, Assam – In a significant step towards species conservation, nine captive-bred pygmy hogs (Porcula salvania) were released into Manas National Park under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP), marking the fifth such release since 2020. The world’s smallest wild pig, the critically endangered pygmy hog, has been facing severe threats to its survival in its natural habitat.
The release ceremony saw the presence of R. P. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force in Assam, who praised the initiative: “The reintroduction and restoration of the pygmy hog in Manas National Park is commendable. We hope this effort helps stabilize their population, further enriching the species diversity in Manas.”
Since 2020, a total of 27 pygmy hogs have been reintroduced to Manas, yielding positive outcomes. A recent camera trap study at the 2023 release site captured a pregnant female pygmy hog in the wild for the first time in the programme’s history, indicating successful acclimatization and natural breeding behavior.
The PHCP, in partnership with the Assam Forest Department and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, has been pivotal in reviving this species, once thought to be extinct in the 1970s. To date, 179 pygmy hogs have been bred and reintroduced, with early reports suggesting a positive rise in their global wild population.
The PHCP’s success underscores the vital importance of targeted conservation initiatives in safeguarding endangered species and enhancing biodiversity within protected areas such as Manas National Park.
