Home / Environment / Tiny Pigs Return: 15 Released in India's Wilds
Tiny Pigs Return: 15 Released in India's Wilds
5 Jul
Summary
- 15 critically endangered pygmy hogs released into India's grasslands.
- A captive breeding program has successfully saved the species from extinction.
- Efforts aim to rebuild a thriving wild population of 300 by 2040.
In a significant conservation success, 15 pygmy hogs, among the world's smallest and rarest pigs, have been released into the Kuribeel grasslands of Manas National Park in Assam, India. This initiative is a culmination of years of dedicated work by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Originally, six pygmy hogs were moved in 1996 to establish a captive breeding program to prevent their extinction. The species, once thought lost, was rediscovered in 1971. The trust has since successfully bred and released 194 hogs, alongside restoring vital grassland habitats.
Conservationists are now focused on strengthening post-release monitoring. This includes tracking released hogs using camera traps and radio telemetry to assess their survival and adaptation to their historic home. Future plans aim to release approximately 80 more hogs over the next five years.
The ultimate goal is to re-establish a robust wild population of 300 pygmy hogs by 2040. This reintroduction is hailed as a remarkable achievement, crucial for ecosystem restoration and safeguarding threatened wildlife.
