CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES
(B) MAMMALS:
1. The Pygmy hog
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| The Pygmy hog |
The Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the world’s smallest wild pig, with adults weighing only 8 kg. This species constructs a nest throughout the year. It is one of the most useful indicators of management status of grassland habitats.
The grasslands where the pygmy hog resides are crucial for the survival of other endangered species such as Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli), wild buffalo
(Bubalus arnee), hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), Bengal florican (Eupodotis bengalensis) and swamp francolin (Francolinus gularis). In 1996, a captive-breeding programme of the species was initiated in Assam, and some hogs have been reintroduced in Sonai Rupai area also in 2009.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
HABITAT: Relatively undisturbed tall ‘terai’ grasslands.
DISTRIBUTION: Formerly, the species was more widely distributed along the southern Himalayan
foothills but now is restricted to only a single remnant population in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
and its buffer reserves.
THREATS: The main threats are loss and degradation of grasslands, dry-season burning, livestock
grazing and afforestation of grasslands. Hunting is also a threat to the remnant populations.
Also Read: Bengal Florican