The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended the inclusion of the pygmy hog — the smallest and rarest species of wild pig — in the list of critically endangered species under a centrally sponsored scheme.
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Known as the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), the scheme provides financial assistance to states to protect certain species or wildlife areas through its recovery programme for critically endangered species and habitats.
The decision was made during the SC-NBWL’s meeting held on July 9, where the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) presented on the pygmy hog’s status in the country.
The WII highlighted the successful conservation initiatives undertaken in Assam, and the need to expand the programme to suitable grassland habitats in other parts of the species’ historical range.
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It also stated that suitable habitats such as Jaldapara (West Bengal) and parts of Uttar Pradesh could be examined for future reintroduction.
During the meeting, it was also suggested that the WII be entrusted with undertaking scientific studies to assess the present status of the species and the feasibility of reintroduction in suitable habitats.
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The SC-NBWL “agreed that the pygmy hog was once an iconic grassland species”, according to the minutes of the meeting.
