← 18 September 2026's Current Affairs · Environment GA Prelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆
Assam's pygmy hog conservation programme releases captive-bred hogs into the wild
Why in News?
World's smallest wild pig, bred in captivity, released in Assam: the Schedule I case Prelims tests
Assam's Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme continues to reintroduce captive-bred pygmy hogs into protected grasslands to save the endangered species.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
Assam's Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, which breeds the endangered pygmy hog in captivity for release into protected grassland habitats, was in the news for its ongoing reintroduction efforts.
The pygmy hog is the world's smallest wild pig species and is confined to a few grassland patches in Assam.
It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- Pygmy hog is the world's smallest wild pig species
- Confined to a few grassland patches in Assam
- Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act
- Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme breeds them in captivity for release into protected grasslands
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- The pygmy hog is the world's smallest wild pig species.
- It is confined to a few grassland patches in Assam.
- It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Mains
GS3 (Environment and Biodiversity): the pygmy hog's survival is threatened by shrinking grassland habitat in Assam, addressed through captive breeding and reintroduction under the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme and Schedule I protection. This illustrates species-specific ex-situ conservation as a complement to habitat protection, with the way forward lying in securing and restoring grassland ecosystems alongside continued reintroduction.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, which breeds India's smallest wild pig species in captivity for release into the wild, is based in which state?
- Odisha
- West Bengal
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
Show answer
Answer: D — The Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme operates in Assam, whose grassland habitats are the last remaining home of the endangered pygmy hog.
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