Context:
Captive breeding and conservation efforts since 1996 in Assam have provided pygmy hogs back to the wildlife.
Pygmy Hog:
- Smallest wild pig species
- Thought to be extinct in the wild until their rediscovery in 1971 at Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam.
- Habitat – Tall, dense grasslands with a mix of shrubs and trees.
- Build their own nests with roofs.
- Remain hidden in dense grass and rarely venture into the open.
- Distribution – Found exclusively in the forest areas of Manas and Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in northwestern Assam, India.
- Males are slightly larger than females.
- Significance – Acts as an Indicator Species with their presence, absence, or abundance reflects specific environmental conditions.
- Diet – Omnivorous
- Threats – Habitat loss and degradation and Illegal hunting
- Conservation Status –
- IUCN – Endangered
- CITES – Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I
Source: Deccan Herald
Previous Year Question
What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
People consume their milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns. Hence it can be domesticated.
