Consider the following statements regarding Pygmy hog: It thesmallest ...
Recently, eighteen captive-bred pygmy hogs were released in western Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- It is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig in the world.
- It is one of the very few mammals that build its own home, or nest, complete with a ‘roof’.
- It is an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its primary habitat.
- Habitat: It prefers undisturbed patches of grassland dominated by early succession riverine communities, typically comprising dense tall grass intermixed with a wide variety of herbs, shrubs and young trees.
- Currently, the viable population of this pig in the wild is in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.
- Conservation status:
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Hence both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Pygmy hog: It thesmallest ...
< b="" />Explanation:< />
The correct answer is option 'C', i.e., both statement 1 and 2 are correct.
< b="" />Statement 1:< /> It is the smallest species of wild pig in the world.
- The Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is indeed the smallest species of wild pig in the world.
- It is native to the grasslands and wetlands of the southern Himalayan foothills in India and Bhutan.
- The adult Pygmy hogs typically weigh between 6 and 10 kilograms and have a body length of about 55 to 71 centimeters.
- They have a unique appearance with a compact body, short legs, and a snout that is slightly upturned.
< b="" />Statement 2:< /> It is considered as an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its habitat.
- An indicator species is a species that provides insight into the overall health and condition of an ecosystem or habitat.
- The presence or absence of the Pygmy hog can indicate the quality and suitability of its habitat.
- Pygmy hogs are highly dependent on tall grasses and dense vegetation for cover and foraging.
- They also require specific soil conditions for burrowing and nesting.
- Therefore, the presence of Pygmy hogs indicates the presence of suitable grassland habitats with adequate food resources and appropriate soil conditions.
- Conversely, the absence of Pygmy hogs may suggest habitat degradation, loss of vegetation, or changes in land use practices that are detrimental to their survival.
Overall, the Pygmy hog is not only the smallest wild pig species but also an important indicator species that reflects the health and quality of its habitat. Its conservation is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of the grasslands and wetlands in the southern Himalayan foothills.