Guwahati: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts, 15 endangered pygmy hogs (Porcula salvania) have been successfully reintroduced into the wild at Manas National Park in Assam under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP).

The release marks another important milestone in the long-running initiative aimed at restoring fragile grassland ecosystems and ensuring the survival of one of the world’s rarest and most threatened wild pig species.

The pygmy hog, considered a key indicator species for the health of alluvial grasslands, had been pushed to the brink of extinction due to decades of habitat loss, degradation, and human-induced pressures. Conservationists view its recovery as crucial to the preservation of Assam’s unique grassland habitats.

The reintroduction was carried out through a scientifically managed captive breeding and release programme developed under the PHCP. Experts involved in the project said the initiative represents a globally recognized model for species recovery and habitat management.

Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, has been one of the primary locations for the reintroduction of captive-bred pygmy hogs. Conservation authorities believe the latest release will strengthen the wild population and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the species.

Officials associated with the programme reiterated their commitment to continued monitoring, habitat restoration, and conservation measures to secure the future of the pygmy hog and the grassland ecosystems on which it depends.

The successful release underscores Assam’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered wildlife and conserve its ecologically significant landscapes.