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IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:


The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft). Today, the only known population lives in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

  • a)
    Endangered 

  • b)
    Vulnerable

  • c)
    Critically endangered

  • d)
    Threatened

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid...
The IUCN status of the Pygmy Hog is "Critically Endangered." This status is given based on the population size and the current threats faced by the species.

1. Species Description:
The Pygmy Hog, scientifically known as Porcula salvania, is a small suid (pig) species. It is native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas, at elevations of up to 300 meters (980 feet). It is a herbivorous animal that primarily feeds on grasses, roots, and tubers.

2. Population Distribution:
Currently, the only known population of Pygmy Hogs exists in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. This distribution is quite restricted, making the species vulnerable to various threats.

3. Population Size:
The Pygmy Hog population is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals. This low population size is a significant concern as it increases the risk of genetic inbreeding, reduces the species' ability to adapt to environmental changes, and makes it highly vulnerable to extinction.

4. Threats:
The critical status of the Pygmy Hog is primarily due to several threats it faces in its habitat:

- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The alluvial grasslands, which are the natural habitat of the Pygmy Hog, have been extensively converted for agriculture, human settlements, and infrastructure development. This habitat loss and fragmentation severely restrict the species' ability to find suitable areas for feeding, breeding, and shelter.

- Predation: The Pygmy Hog faces predation from various carnivores, including feral dogs, wild boars, and large cats. With the shrinking habitat and reduced population size, the vulnerability of the species to predation increases.

- Poaching: Despite legal protection, the Pygmy Hog is occasionally targeted by poachers for its meat and skin. This illegal activity further impacts the population.

5. Conservation Efforts:
Various conservation initiatives are being undertaken to save the Pygmy Hog from extinction. These efforts include:

- Habitat Conservation: Protected areas and sanctuaries have been established in Bhutan and India to conserve the remaining grassland habitat of the Pygmy Hog. These areas are managed to minimize human disturbance and promote the recovery of the species.

- Captive Breeding and Reintroduction: Conservation organizations have initiated captive breeding programs to breed Pygmy Hogs in controlled environments. The offspring from these programs are then reintroduced into suitable habitats to augment the wild population.

- Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate local communities, stakeholders, and policymakers about the importance of conserving the Pygmy Hog. Such initiatives aim to reduce habitat encroachment, poaching, and promote sustainable land-use practices.

In conclusion, the Pygmy Hog is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its restricted population size, habitat loss, predation, and poaching threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore its habitat, control illegal activities, and increase the population size to ensure the long-term survival of this unique species.
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IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid...
Population threats
Pygmy hogs used to be widespread in the tall, wet grasslands in the southern Himalayan foothills from Uttar Pradesh to Assam, through Nepal and north Bengal. However, human encroachment has largely destroyed their natural habitat by development, agriculture, domestic grazing, and deliberate fires. Today, only one viable population remains in the Manas National Park, but even there, it is threatened by livestock grazing, poaching, fire, and tigers.
Population number
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Pygmy hog is 100-250 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
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IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft). Today, the only known population lives in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.a)Endangeredb)Vulnerablec)Critically endangeredd)ThreatenedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft). Today, the only known population lives in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.a)Endangeredb)Vulnerablec)Critically endangeredd)ThreatenedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft). Today, the only known population lives in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.a)Endangeredb)Vulnerablec)Critically endangeredd)ThreatenedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for IUCN status of Pygmy Hog is:The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is a suid native to alluvial grasslands in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations of up to 300 m (980 ft). Today, the only known population lives in southern Bhutan and Assam, India. As the population is estimated at less than 250 mature individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.a)Endangeredb)Vulnerablec)Critically endangeredd)ThreatenedCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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