ONE of the world’s smallest and rarest wild pigs is back from the brink of extinction, thanks to conservationists at Durrell.
Another ten pygmy hogs have just been released into the wild by the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, set up by the conservationists from Jersey and other bodies to safeguard the future of the endangered species, which is native to India.
It brings the total number of hogs released to 152.
The pygmy hogs are bred in captivity before being released into national parks in India.
The latest ten were released into the Manas National Park in the Assam region. It is the third time they have been introduced in Manas, after successful releases there in 2020 and in 2021.
The PHCP plans to release 60 pygmy hogs in Manas by 2025. It will continue to maintain about 70 captive hogs at its two centres in Assam to breed more hogs for release.
Pygmy hogs live in tall, dense grasslands, and the Manas National Park contains some of the largest remaining areas of grassland in the sub-Himalayan area.
Durrell chief executive Dr Lesley Dickie said: ‘Durrell has been committed to conserving the tiny but precious pygmy hogs, and their grassland home, for decades.
‘With our partners, we strive to create a functioning habitat that also allows local communities to thrive.’
