Assam Pygmy Hog Population Rebounds to 194

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on Saturday, September 12, that the state's endangered pygmy hog population climbed from six individuals to 194. This recovery stems from long-term breeding and conservation programs that started with hogs collected from Manas National Park.

Sarma celebrated the achievement on X. He labeled the turnaround "a remarkable story of conservation, patience and decades of dedicated effort." The state now aims to reach a population of 300 hogs by 2040.

Hogs are back. The species remains among the smallest and rarest wild pigs on Earth. Native to Himalayan foothill grasslands, these animals nearly faced total extinction. Assam serves as the primary hub for current protection efforts.

Success depends on land. Experts note that saving the pygmy hog requires protecting Assam's grasslands, a move that also shields other threatened local species.