Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust said its team in India has released a further nine endangered pygmy pigs into the wild.
Since 2020, the Jersey Trust said this was the fifth successful release, bringing the total number of pigs released in Assam’s Manas National Park to 63.
The project is part of the Pygmy Hog Conservation Program (PHCP), which states the species is one of the “world’s most endangered mammals.”
PHCP Project Director at Durrell Dr. Parag Jyoti Deka said, “The conservation of pygmy pig and grassland not only protects other unique and important species, but also indirectly benefits the communities living around the park.”
‘Critical data’
“This project also allows us to address the larger question of conservation and management of one of India’s most biodiversity-rich habitats.”
The trust said the pygmy pig (Porcula salvania) was the smallest and rarest wild pig in the world.
It said that this year six of the released pigs were also fitted with radio trackers, which provide “critical data” on the pig’s behavior and habitat use.
“A camera trap survey at last year’s release site in Manas shows that pigs released in 2023 are exploring and breeding in the area, and a pregnant female pig has been captured on camera in the wild for the first time ” said the Durrell Wildlife Conservation. To trust.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief of Forest Department, Assam Shri, RP Singh, said he was present at the release and termed the project “commendable”.
“I would like to see the pygmy pig population stabilize in this landscape, making Manas more vibrant in its species diversity,” he said.
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