Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)

Current Context : Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs released in Assam’s Manas national park.

ABOUT PYGMY HOG (PORCULA SALVANIA)

• The Pygmy Hog is the smallest and most endangered wild pig species globally.
• Habitat: Found in tall, dense grasslands with shrubs and trees, making dome-shaped nests from vegetation. Currently located in Manasand Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam.
• Role as an Indicator Species: Presence reflects the health of its habitat—tall, wet grasslands.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered by IUCN and falls under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

ABOUT MANAS NATIONAL PARK

• Location: Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam; connected to Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• Unique Distinctions: Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, and Important Bird Area.
• Tiger Conservation Network: Part of Project Tiger (1973) and connected to tiger reserves in Buxa, Nameri, Pakke, Namdapha, and Bhutan.
• Flora: Contains Sal forests, mixed deciduous, semi-evergreen, and grasslands.
• Fauna: Home to Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, Indian Rhinoceros, and Asiatic Buffalo.