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Context
A tiny creature is rapidly vanishing from India’s grasslands, known to us as the Pygmy Hog. According to recent reports and data from the 'Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme' (PHCP), this animal is now confined to only a few limited areas of Assam. Given its importance to the ecosystem, conservationists are working in "mission mode" to save it.
About Pygmy Hog: Unique Features
- Smallest in the World: It is the world's smallest and rarest species of wild pig. The height of an adult Pygmy Hog is only about 25 cm (approximately 10 inches).
- Engineer and Builder: It is one of the very few mammals that builds its own home or 'nest', complete with a full 'roof' of grass.
- Indicator Species: The presence of the Pygmy Hog is evidence of the health of the grasslands in that area. If the Pygmy Hog is safe, it means the ecosystem there is balanced.
Why in the News?
- Restoration Program: According to reports up to January 2026, the 'Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme' (PHCP) has so far successfully released more than 179 captive-bred Pygmy Hogs back into the wild in the protected areas of Assam.
- Threat of African Swine Fever (ASF): Currently, these creatures face a major threat from 'African Swine Fever', leading to fears of their entire population being destroyed. The administration is implementing strict 'bio-security' at their conservation centers.
Habitat and Current Status
The Pygmy Hog prefers riverine grasslands where human intervention is minimal and where tall, dense grass (such as elephant grass) is present.
- Current Location: Historically, it was found from Uttar Pradesh to Assam in the Himalayan foothills, but currently, it is confined only to the Manas and Orang National Parks of Assam.
Ecological Role
This tiny creature is no less than a 'gardener' for the grasslands:
- Soil Aeration: It digs for roots, tubers, and insects using its snout, which increases air circulation in the soil and improves its quality.
- Seed Dispersal: It eats various wild fruits and seeds, helping in the dispersal of seeds and the growth of new vegetation.
Conservation Status
The Pygmy Hog has been granted the highest level of protection to save it from extinction:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule-I This is the highest legal protection given to any wildlife in India.
- CITES: Appendix-I
Threats to Existence
- Habitat Destruction: Constant clearing of grasslands for agriculture and settlements.
- Illegal Grazing: Excessive exploitation of grasslands by livestock.
- Burning of Grass: Uncontrolled fires in the grasslands during the dry season destroy their nests and lives.
Conclusion
The Pygmy Hog is not just an animal, but a "barometer" of the health of our grasslands. If it becomes extinct, the entire grassland ecosystem will be in danger. Conservation initiatives underway in regions like Cuddalore or Assam show that through collective efforts, we can bring these 'invisible heroes' back from the brink of extinction