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♤ Is the world’s smallest wild pig, with adults weighing only 8 kgs. This species constructs a nest throughout the year.
♤ It is one of the most useful indicators of the management status of grassland habitats. The grasslands where the pygmy hog resides are crucial for the survival of other endangered species such as Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Wild Buffalo, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican and Swamp Francolin.
♤ In 1996, a captive-breeding programme of the species was initiated in Assam, and some hogs were reintroduced in Sonai Rupai area in 2009.
♤ Habitat: Relatively undisturbed, tall ‘terai’ grasslands.
♤ Distribution: Formerly, the species was more widely distributed along the southern Himalayan foothills but now is restricted to only a single remnant population in Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and its buffer reserves.
♤ Pygmy hog-sucking Louse (Haematopinus oliveri), a parasite that feeds only on Pygmy Hogs will also fall in the same risk category of critically endangered as its survival is linked to that of the host species.
♤ Threats: The main threats are loss and degradation of grasslands, dry-season burning, livestock grazing and afforestation of grasslands. Hunting is also a threat to the remnant populations.
12.1.2. Andaman White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura andamanensis), Jenkin’s Andaman Spiny Shrew
♤ (Crocidura jenkinsi) and the Nicobar White-tailed Shrew (Crocidura nicobarica) Endemic to India.
♤ They are usually active by twilight or in the night and have specialized habitat requirements.
♤ Habitat: Leaf litter and rock crevices.
♤ Distribution:
♤ The Andaman White-toothed Shrew is found on Mount Harriet in the South Andaman Islands.
♤ The Jenkin’s Andaman Spiny Shrew is found on Wright Myo and Mount Harriet in the South Andaman Islands.
♤ The Nicobar White-tailed Shrew (Crocidura nicobarica) is found in the southern tip of Greater Nicobar Island and is also recorded in the area extending from the Campbell Bay National Park to the Galathea River in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
♤ Threats: Habitat loss due to selective logging, natural disasters such as the tsunami and drastic weather changes.