Hog in the limelight: On Assam’s pygmy hog programme

The article highlights the critical conservation efforts for the pygmy hog, the world's smallest wild suid and an indicator species for India's alluvial floodplains. Its decline is linked to habitat degradation, land conversion, and altered flood cycles. The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme in Assam has significantly increased the captive population, but the species' long-term survival depends on restoring and protecting its natural grassland habitats within areas like Manas, Orang National Parks, and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, while addressing challenges like low genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation.