Pygmy Hogs

Why in news?

• 12 captive-bred pygmy hogs, the world's rarest and smallest wild pigs, were released in the Manas National Park of lower Assam by the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP).

About Pygmy Hogs:

• The pygmy hog is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m.
• Today, the only known  viable population lives in Manas national Park in Assam while there may be populations in southern Bhutan.
• As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as  Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The pygmy hog's skin is nude and dark brownish-black with a few dark hairs. Its head is tapered with a slight crest of hair on the forehead and on the back of its neck.
• They feed on roots, tubers, insects, rodents, and small reptiles.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pygmy Hog:
1.It is mainly found in Kaziranga national Park.
2.They are herbivorous mammals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question