Threatened Species Recovery Programme

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Threatened Species Recovery Programme (TSRP)

The Threatened Species Recovery Programme (TSRP) was established in 2018 in the aegis of partnership between Durrell Wildlife Conservation trust (www.durrell.org) and Aaranyak. The pygmy hog is the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig most threatened by extinction originally found in the narrow belt of tall alluvial sub-Himalayan grasslands. However, by 1993 it was reduced to a single population found only in a few pockets of the Manas National Park. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust along with the IUCN/SSC Wild Pig Specialist Group initiated the PHCP in 1995 to save the pygmy hog from extinction. It partnered with the Assam Forest Department Govt. of India’s Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and a local partner, EcoSystems-India. In 2018, Aaranyak joined as delivery partner of Durrell for the PHCP. In October 2025, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme was signed among , the Forest Department, Government of Assam, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, IUCN/SSC Wild Pig Specialist Group, Aaranyak and EcoSystems-India and Aaranyank become formal partner of PHCP.

This species recovery programme involves conservation breeding, habitat restoration and reintroduction of endangered pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) in sub-Himalayan grassland, particularly in Assam, since 1996. PHCP, which primarily followed a species-focused approach, has now evolved into a broader ecosystem-based conservation model. This expanded approach integrates the protection of other critical grassland-dependent species such as the Bengal Florican. At the same time, these conservation efforts help enhance ecosystem services for local communities, creating a synergy between ecological security and biodiversity conservation in the tall grasslands.

Threats and Importance of Pygmy Hog in Sub Himalayan Grassland:

The main threats to survival of pygmy hog are loss and degradation of habitat due to human settlements, agricultural encroachment, flood control schemes, and inadequate management. Some management practices, such as planting of trees in the grasslands and indiscriminate use of fire to create openings and to promote fresh growth of grass, have caused extensive damage to the habitats the authorities intend to protect.

The survival of pygmy hogs is closely linked to the existence of the tall, wet grasslands of the region which, besides being a highly threatened habitat itself, is also crucial for survival of a number endangered species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), tiger (Panthera tigris), eastern barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi), water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) and Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis). The pygmy hog is one of the most useful indicators of current wildlife management practices in these habitats as it has disappeared from grasslands which still support some other species. It is therefore important to understand why it is disappearing faster than other less sensitive species and take remedial actions if we wish to preserve the original habitats in their pristine state and with optimal diversity. This will eventually benefit all species of these threatened habitats.  Conserving these important habitats, which are one of the richest in the Indian subcontinent in terms of their biodiversity, will also help in maintaining long term ecological and economic wellbeing of the region. These wet grasslands serve as buffer against floods in rainy season while maintaining high groundwater levels in dry season, indirectly benefiting farming communities living in the fringe areas.

Major activities under the PHCP programme:

Field surveys, conservation breeding after capturing founders from the wild, preparing the captive hogs in a semi-wild facility, proper grassland management and restoration at the release sites, reintroduction and monitoring of released populations, biological and behavioural studies in captivity, and conservation education and action in the fringe areas of Manas and release sites. Recommendations for the better conservation of the remnant and reintroduced hog populations and scientific management of grassland habitats in selected areas of Assam have also been submitted to the relevant authorities and have been included in the various published and unpublished reports of the programme.

Conservation breeding

The conservation breeding initiative started in late 1995 with the construction of the Research and Breeding Centre Basistha, on the outskirts of Guwahati city in Assam. The ‘pre-release’ facility was established at Potasali near Nameri National Park in 2004. PHCP holds almost the entire global captive population and maintains about 80 captive hogs at its two centres in Assam and breeds more hogs for release. The highly successful captive breeding project of PHCP began using six (2 M, 4 F) wild hogs captured from the last surviving population of the species in Manas in 1996. Later, a young male rescued in 2001, and another male and two females captured in 2013 from the same range joined the captive breeding stock.

Before releasing them into the wild, they are kept at a ‘pre-release’ facility near Nameri National Park for about five months under minimal human contact and are conditioned to face the wild environment and enhanced opportunities to forage naturally.

Reintroduction of Pygmy Hog

Reintroduction of captive hogs in the wild began in 2008 and about 179 hogs have been released in the four PAs in Assam. Initially, three Protected Areas in their past distribution range in Assam were selected for better protection and restoration of alluvial grasslands. Over the next decade, 35 hogs (18 M, 17 F) were released in Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, 59 (26 M, 33 F) in Orang National Park, and 22 (11 M, 11 F) in Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary. The reintroductions in Orang has been particularly successful as they have multiplied almost two and a half times in number (130-150), and have spread to areas far from release locations. Since 2020, about 63 (24M, 39 F) hogs have been released into the grasslands in the Bhuyanpara range of Manas National Park in the last 5 years.

Activities undertaken by PHCP in 2024-2025:

  • Conservation breeding, an integral part PHCP, is aimed to continue healthy captive population of pygmy hogs as a source for individuals for reintroduction every year. To achieve this goal hogs were paired in December 2017 under a small population management plan and maintained at the two centres. PHCP maintains about 80 pygmy hogs in captivity and this represented the global captive population of the species.
  • Two groups of 27 Pygmy Hogs were reintroduced into the Kanchanbari grassland of Manas National Park—18 in 2023 and 9 in 2024. Radio transmitters were fitted to eight and six individuals, respectively, to support post-release monitoring and habitat use studies. A multi-method monitoring approach combining telemetry, camera traps, and field surveys effectively tracked reintroduced individuals in Kanchanbari and documented wild populations in Panbari.
  • Bengal Florican surveys in 2024-25 conducted in Bhairabkunda, Kokilbari Agricultural Farm, and Rupahi in Manas National Park and presence recorded along with habitat data. Also, survey was conducted in Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park and riverine areas of Sadiya and Majuli Islands.
  • In Manas National Park, grassland restoration interventions included girdling of Problematic native species like Bombax ceiba across 94.34 ha and Dillenia pentagyna across 3 ha in Kuribeel. Bombax saplings were uprooted over 7.83 ha in Kuribeel and 2.3 ha in Rupahi, while grass plantations covered 2.38 ha and 1.70 ha, respectively. Chromolaena removal was completed across 125.19 ha in Kuribeel, 103.59 ha in Rupahi, and 27.72 ha in the Lafasari grassland of Panbari.
  • Long-term grassland experimental plots with groundwater wells for monitoring were established at Kuribeel, Rupahi, and Sidajhar. In addition, Leea asiatica invasion experiments were initiated in the Kuribeel and Rupahi grasslands.
  • In Orang, woody species were uprooted over 15.3 ha. In addition, invasive alien plant species (IAPS) such as Mimosa diplotricha and Chromolaena odorata were cleared from 17.3 ha of grassland.
  • Livelihood support activities included distribution of turmeric to 11 SHGs and fruit saplings (Bhut Jolokia, guava, litchi, papaya, and local species) to households and schools in Dauraibari and Katajhar-Thakmapara EDCs.
  • A total of 785 cattle were vaccinated against FMD in 10 fringe villages, and 11 biosecure pig pens were constructed to enhance community resilience.
  • ASF awareness programmes were organized in Dauraibari, Katajhar, Thakmapara, Rajabil, and Bansbari, reaching over 120 villagers and backyard pig owners.

Future plans and Road ahead:

  • Till 2018, the PHCP was guided by the IUCN Species Action Plan (SAP) 1993. The revised SAP has been enacted with a long-term vision till 2030.  Currently, the PHCP is guided by Durrell’s ‘Rewild Our World’ strategy with two associated plans, the Manas plan and the Pygmy Hog Plan which map out the programme until 2025. Currently we are revising our conservation strategies for the next ten years.
  • The Manas Plan renewed the focus of PHCP on the recovery of grasslands with trailing of different grassland management practices in the Manas National Park and Orang National Park (MNP).
  • The Pygmy Hog Plan envisions establishing pygmy hog populations in the entire sub-Himalayan grassland to ensure their long-term survival and work for other grassland obligated species like Bengal florican.
  • At the same time the community actions in the fringe villages of MNP have been initiated to identify the drivers of anthropogenic pressure on grassland habitat and to reduce the same by designing targeted and sustainable livelihood interventions.

Support and Collaboration:

Donor:  The Habitats Trust, IUCN- SOS, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Internal fund, Clarkson Jersey Charitable Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Disney Conservation Fund, Beauval Nature, ZGAP, AFdPZ, KNCF and Fundacja Zoo Wroclaw.

Collaborating Organization: Forest Department – Govt. of Assam, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, IUCN/SSC Wild Pig Specialist Group, Aaranyak, and EcoSystems-India.

Park Mangers & frontline Staff: Manas National Park, Orang National Park, Nameri National Park and Assam State Zoo Division.

Contact Details:

Parag Jyoti Deka, Project Manager of TSRP and Project Director of PHCP; Email: parag.deka@durrell.org, parag@aaranyak.org, Mobile: +91 9435016246, +91 8638569163

Genius Teron, Project Officer of TSRP; Email: genius@aaranyak.org, Mobile: +91 9859542405.

Internship/Volunteering Opportunity:

Interested candidates may submit their resume along with a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience, interests, or motivation for applying to Organising Office at internship@aaranyak.org.

Project Sites:

Pygmy Hog Research and Breeding Centre, Indira Nagar, Basistha, Guwahati, Assam 781029.

Pygmy Hog Pre-release Centre, Near Nameri National Park Range Office, Potasali, Gamani, Sonitpur, Assam 784102.

Manas Field Station, Manas National Park, Bansbari Range Office, Bansbari, Baksa, Assam 781315.

Orang Field Station, Orang National Park, Silbori, Darrang, Assam 784114.

Panbari Field Station, Manas National Park, Panbari, Chourang, Chirang, Assam 783391.

Bengal florican Field Station, Kokilabari Agriculture Farm, Simla, Baksa, Assam 781330.

TSRP Team members:

  • Dr. Parag Jyoti Deka, Project Director PHCP/ Programme Manager TSRP: His main role is to oversee overall planning, grant management, coordination, and implementation of the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme.
  • Dr. Leons Mathew Abraham, Project Officer:  He completed his Master’s in Veterinary Science from College of Veterinary Science, Kahanapara, Guwahati, Assam. He serves as the Veterinary Officer responsible for the care and management of Pygmy hogs at the Breeding Centre, Basistha.
  • Dr. Genius Teron, Project Officer: He completed his PhD on Community Characteristics, Biomass, and Carbon Stock Assessment of Plant Species in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, from NERIST. His primary responsibilities include fund management and administrative tasks.
  • Dr. Debjani Borah, Project Officer: She completed her Master’s in Veterinary Science from College of Veterinary Science, Kahanapara, Guwahati, Assam. She serves as the Veterinary Officer at the Pre-release Centre, Potasali, overseeing Pygmy hog care and engaging with local communities on biosecurity and ASF awareness.
  • Mr. Jonmani Kalita, Project Officer: He completed his master’s degree in Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology from Gauhati University. His responsibilities include monitoring Pygmy hogs through radio telemetry, camera trapping, and sign surveys, along with collecting grassland data from the field.
  • Mr. Koushik Rajbongshi, Assistant Project Officer: He completed his master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Science from Assam University, Silchar. His main role is to manage and execute field-based research on habitat monitoring and restoration.
  • Ms. Karishma Sharma Chamlagain, Assistant Project Officer: She completed her master’s degree in Biotechnology from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha, in 2019. Her responsibilities include monitoring Bengal Floricans across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Ms. Monica Basumatary, Assistant Project Officer: She is from Kokrajhar, Assam. She completed his masters in Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Studies. Her responsibilities include community awareness, livelihood support, and field-level coordination for conservation activities.
  • Mr. Amal Deka, Sr. Field Assistant: Originally from Nalbari, Assam. He assists the community coordinator in the execution of our goals in Manas with the community.
  • Mr. Dwipendra Dev, Sr. Field Assistant: He is from Bongaigaon, Assam, and joined PHCP in 2000 as an animal keeper at the Pygmy Hog Research and Breeding Centre, Basistha. Since 2018, he has been based at Manas National Park, engaged in Pygmy hog monitoring and habitat experiments.
  • Mr. Raju Das, Jr. Field Assistant: He is from Barengabari, a fringe village of Manas National Park, and joined PHCP in 2020 as a Field Assistant. He assists field biologists in habitat management research and is gaining experience in monitoring Pygmy hogs and grassland species.
  • Mr. Karan Barman, Research Assistant: He is from Gorchuk, Guwahati, Assam. He completed his masters in Zoology from Pub Kamrup College. His main role is to assist in Pygmy hog monitoring and habitat management research.
  • Mr. Hirak Das, Sr. Field Assistant: He is from Mirza, Guwahati, Assam. His main role is to assist in Bengal Florican monitoring and habitat management research.
  • Mr. Niranjan Barman, Jr. Field Assistant: He is from Bongaigaon, Assam, and joined PHCP as an animal keeper at the Pygmy Hog Research and Breeding Centre, Basistha. Since 2024, he has been based at Manas National Park, engaged in Pygmy hog monitoring and habitat experiments.
  • Mr. Ajay Kumar Das, Sr. Office Assistant: His primary role is logistics and operational support at the Captive Breeding Centre, Basistha.
  • Mr. Bhaben Hazarika, Sr. Office Assistant: His primary role is logistics and operational support at the the Pre-release Centre, Potasali.
  • Ms. Monora Begum, Sr. Animal Keeper: She is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Captive Breeding Centre, Basistha.
  • Mr. Tulshi Nath, Sr. Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Pre-release Centre, Potasali.
  • Mr. Raju Mili, Field Assistant: Assists in field activities at the Pygmy hog Pre-release Centre, Potasali, and supports breeding paddock and office maintenance.
  • Mr. Kishur Payeng, Field Assistant: Assists in field activities at the Pygmy hog Pre-release Centre, Potasali, and supports breeding paddock and office maintenance.
  • Mr. Lutar Chandra Marak, Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Captive Breeding Centre, Basistha.
  • Mr. Grikseng Chandra Marak, Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Pre-release Centre, Potasali.
  • Mr. Rudra Gogoi, Jr. Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Pre-release Centre, Potasali.
  • Mr. Nipen Kro, Jr. Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Captive Breeding Centre, Basistha.
  • Mr. Santosh Basumatary, Assistant Animal Keeper: He is responsible for daily care, feeding, and maintenance of Pygmy hogs at the Captive Breeding Centre, Basistha.

Water Climate & Hazard Division

Wildlife Genetics (WG) Division