Pygmy Hog

Pygmy Hog Latest News

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended the inclusion of the pygmy hog in the list of critically endangered species under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH).  

About Pygmy Hog

• It is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig.
• It is one of the very few mammals that build its own home, or nest, complete with a ‘roof’.
• It is an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its primary habitat.
• Habitat: It prefers undisturbed patches of grassland dominated by early succession riverine communities, typically comprising dense tall grass intermixed with a wide variety of herbs, shrubs and young trees.
• Distribution: Currently, they survive only in the grasslands of Assam’s Manas and Orang national parks.
• Diet: They feed on roots, tubers, shoots and ground vegetation, along with worms and other invertebrates.

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Ecological Role of Pygmy Hog

• Enhances Soil Quality: It digs for roots, tubers, wild fruits, termites, earthworms, eggs and other food sources found in grasslands which aerates the soil and enhances its quality.
• Disperses Seeds: It also helps dispersing seeds through its dietary and foraging habits.

Conservation Status of Pygmy Hog

• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides financial assistance to states to protect certain species or wildlife areas through its recovery programme for critically endangered species and habitats.
• Components of the scheme
  • Support to Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves)
  • Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas
  • Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitat

Source: TH