From 6 to 194: How Assam is bringing the pygmy hog back to the wild

The pygmy hog, India's only native wild pig and a critically endangered species, is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in Assam's grasslands. Originally captured in 1996, six individuals marked the beginning of the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP). Now, 194 years later, that initial cohort has reproduced and has grown to 194, thanks to captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.

In June 2026, 15 more were released into the Kuribeel grasslands, a site that had been devoid of the species for nine years. This release is especially significant given the species' previous absence from the area. The program has since released six more groups, bringing the total in Manas National Park to 78. Across the state, the program has produced and released 194 pygmy hogs.

However, the success of these numbers hinges on their ability to thrive and reproduce in the wild. Pygmy hogs are uniquely adapted to wet, tall grasslands, which are under threat from habitat loss, invasive species, and human disturbance. As a flagship species for these ecosystems, the conservation of the pygmy hog is vital for the broader ecosystem's health.

The species is also set to become the focus of a national recovery program, with potential new habitats identified in neighboring states. The ultimate goal is to bolster the wild population to around 300 by 2040. This story illustrates the power of conservation to turn the tide for species once teetering on the brink, provided their habitats remain intact.