Full Breakdown
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Reintroduces Pygmy Hogs to Manas National Park
7/6/2026, 11:07:59 AM
Reintroduction Milestone: Release of Pygmy Hogs in Assam
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust recently released 15 pygmy hogs—the world’s smallest wild pig—into the Kuribeel grasslands of Manas National Park, Assam, India. The release adds to a cumulative total of 194 individuals bred and re-introduced under the trust’s programme.
Historical Context and Conservation Background
The pygmy hog was thought extinct until a surviving group was found sheltering from a grass-land fire in a tea plantation in 1971. In 1996, six individuals were captured to launch a captive-breeding programme. The trust spent eight years restoring the grassland, with no wild sightings recorded for roughly a decade.
Key Actors and Organizational Roles
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey) leads the effort, with Rebecca Brewer serving as chief executive. Dr Parag Jyoti Deka directs the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme. Dr Vinay Gupta, principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Assam, represents Assam’s forest department.
Timeline of the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme
Data Summary: Breeding, Releases, and Future Targets
To date, 194 pygmy hogs have been bred and released. The latest batch comprised 15 individuals. The programme aims to release about 80 more hogs over the next five years, targeting a self-sustaining wild population of 300 by 2040.
Ecological Significance and Expected Impact
Restoring the pygmy hog supports grassland ecosystems and helps safeguard threatened species, aligning with the trust’s goal of revitalizing the historic habitat.
Official Statements from Conservation Leaders
Rebecca Brewer highlighted the initiative’s role in reversing extinction risk and restoring the species to its historic range. Dr Deka emphasized the use of camera traps, sign surveys, and radio-telemetry to monitor post-release behavior. Dr Gupta described the effort as a remarkable achievement essential for grassland restoration and species protection.
Criticism and Opposition
The sources do not report any organized criticism or opposition to the reintroduction programme.
Verbatim Quotes
- “proud” to lead the initiative that had “saved the pygmy hog from extinction and helped the wild population to grow and thrive in their historic home once again”. — Rebecca Brewer, Chief Executive, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
- “The most recent release involving camera-trap and sign surveys along with a radio-telemetry tracking of five pygmy hogs to assess their behaviour, survival, and habitat use after reintroduction,” — Dr Parag Jyoti Deka, Director, Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme
- “learn and create a better, stronger future for this fascinating species”. — Dr Parag Jyoti Deka
- “remarkable conservation achievement”. — Dr Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam
Future Plans and Monitoring
The programme will continue post-release monitoring through camera-trap imaging, sign surveys, and radio-telemetry of tracked individuals. Data will inform adaptive management as releases proceed toward the 300-hog target for 2040.
