As part of a conservation program to increase their numbers, a dozen of the world's smallest animals were released into the wild in northeastern India.As part of a conservation program to increase the population of an extinct species, a dozen of the world's smallest animals were released into the wild in Northeastern India.The Pygmy Hog, also known scientifically as porcula salvanica, is found in tall, lush grasslands. It was once found on plains at the Himalayan foothills of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.Its population decreased in 1960s leading to fears that it would become extinct. However, it was discovered in India's northeastern State of Assam in 1971 by conservationists.It was found only in the Manas National Park of Assam, which borders Bhutan, and it was gone by 1993.In 1996, the Pygmy Hog Conservation Program, which involved several organizations, including state and national governments and governmental agencies, created a captive breeding program with six hogs to revive their population.Dhritiman Das, a field scientist for the program, said that the release of 12 pygmy hogs (seven males and five females) was happening this time. Das spoke to AFP at Manas National Park's release site on Saturday.Eight hogs were released in Manas, four on Saturday and four on Tuesday. Last year, 14 hogs were released.This program cares for around 70 captive hogs, and is currently breeding more to be released.The scientific name of the pygmy hob is porcula salvamania. It lives in tall, wet grasslands.With the release of the last week's releases, the total number of pigs that have been reintroduced to the wild through the program has now reached 142.Conservationists estimate that the wild population is less than 250.Das stated, "In the next four years we target to release sixty hogs... so they can build their own populations in the wild."The program also aims to restore the grasslands that are home to these tiny creatures. They measure approximately 25 cm (9.8 inches) high and 65 cm long and weigh between 8 and 9 kilogrammes (17.6-19.8 lbs).Experts say that the species' survival is at risk due to the destruction of its habitats and improper management.Further information: Virus lockdown for the world's smallest wild pigs2021 AFP
