The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, based in Jersey, has reintroduced 15 pygmy hogs into the Kuribeel grasslands of Manas National Park in Assam, India. The pygmy hog, known as the world’s smallest and one of the rarest pig species, has been the focus of conservation efforts aimed at preventing its extinction.

The trust began working with the species in 1996 when six pygmy hogs were captured from the wild to establish a captive breeding program. This initiative was designed to increase the species’ population in a controlled environment before reintroducing individuals back into their natural habitat.

Rebecca Brewer, chief executive of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, highlighted the significance of the release, stating that the organization is proud to lead a project that has contributed to the recovery of the species. She emphasized that the efforts have helped the wild pygmy hog population to grow and re-establish itself in the grasslands where the species originally thrived.

Manas National Park, part of the larger ecosystem in Assam, provides a suitable habitat for the pygmy hog, supporting the grassland environment these animals depend on. The release marks a critical step in safeguarding the species, which has faced severe threats including habitat loss and fragmentation over recent decades.

Conservationists consider the reintroduction a major milestone in maintaining the biodiversity of the region and preventing the loss of a species that serves as an important indicator of healthy grassland ecosystems. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust continues to monitor the released animals and work with local partners to ensure the long-term survival of the pygmy hog in the wild.