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.
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Consider the following statements regarding Pygmy hog: It thesmallest ...
The correct answer is option 'C' i.e. both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Explanation:
Pygmy hog is indeed the smallest species of wild pig in the world. Here is a detailed explanation of both statements:
1. It is the smallest species of wild pig in the world:
The Pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig in the world. It is native to the grasslands and forests of the Terai region in India and Nepal. Adult pygmy hogs typically weigh between 6 to 10 kilograms and have a height of around 20 to 30 centimeters. They have a compact and stocky body with a short snout.
2. It is considered as an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its habitat:
An indicator species is a species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the overall health and condition of its ecosystem or habitat. Pygmy hogs are considered as indicator species because they have specific habitat requirements and are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. They require dense grasslands with tall, dense cover for nesting and foraging. If the habitat is healthy and well-preserved, it can support a stable population of pygmy hogs. However, if the grasslands are degraded or fragmented, it can negatively impact the survival and population of pygmy hogs.
The presence of pygmy hogs indicates the presence of suitable habitat conditions, including the availability of food, water, and shelter. Therefore, their presence or absence can be used as an indicator of the overall health and conservation status of the grassland ecosystem they inhabit. Monitoring the population and habitat of pygmy hogs can help in assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts and identifying any threats or changes in the ecosystem.
In conclusion, Pygmy hog is indeed the smallest species of wild pig in the world, and it is considered as an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its habitat.