Wild Life 2019 Issue 1

Page 22

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REW ILD ING IND IA’S GRA SSL AND S THE SOUTHERN FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMAL AYAS WERE ONCE COVERED BY LUSH GRASSL ANDS THAT PR OVIDED HOMES TO SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST ICONIC WILDLIFE, SUCH AS ELEPHANTS, RHINOS AND TIGERS. With less than 10% of the original grassland remaining, pygmy hogs have been pushed to the brink of extinction as their natural habitat has been destroyed by humans. The wet grasslands are also essential habitat for the charismatic pygmy hog. These tiny Critically Endangered

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pigs rely on the tall grass to escape predators, find food and make nests to rear their piglets. Today, only one viable, but very vulnerable, population of wild pygmy hogs remains in Manas National Park. There are less than 250 pygmy hogs in the wild; they are not only the smallest wild pig but also one of the rarest animals in the world. Without urgent action, the grasslands will be lost and the population of pygmy hogs and other wildlife will disappear forever.

Y OU C A N HEL P SAV E T HE W I L D L I F E A N D C OM M UN I T I ES T HAT R ELY ON T HE GR A SSL A N D S


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