- The forest and tribal departments of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have successfully bred 24 Andaman wild pigs through a captive breeding programme which offers hope for the restoration of the species, with the current population estimated at around 8,000 individuals.
- The Andaman wild pig plays a crucial role in the Jarawa tribe’s livelihood and cultural practices. It serves as a vital protein source and hunting the pig marks a rite of passage into adulthood.
- Maintaining genetic diversity was a key challenge addressed by incorporating pigs from different areas and employing specific breeding methods. The programme also emphasises providing a natural habitat and diet for the captive pigs.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ forest department and tribal welfare department released eight Andaman wild pigs (Sus scrofa andamanensis), bred through a captive breeding programme, in the Jarawa Reserve Forest in October 2022. In a recent publication in the Indian Forester, which covers research in forestry, the researchers detail the breeding programme, emphasising that beyond the conservation of the wild pig, the programme intends to safeguard the nutritional security of the indigenous tribes, particularly the Jarawa and Onge communities. The wild pig is a dietary resource for the tribes as well as holds cultural significance. The species, however, is designated as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act which exempts its hunting by the tribes, notes the study. The programme has bred 24 pigs as of December 2022.
The Andaman wild pig is a distinct subspecies of wild pig found only in the Andaman Islands. It plays a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem, dispersing seeds and controlling herbivore populations, maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The wild pig has witnessed a gradual decline in its population, with estimates suggesting that around 8,000 individuals remain in the wild on the Andaman Islands.
According to the forestry research study published in November 2023, poaching is a major reason, among others, for the decline of the Andaman wild pig. Competition for habitat with introduced herbivores like chital, changes in land use patterns and the threat of genetic contamination from domestic pig breeds where some of the other factors leading to the decline in the wild pig population.
Initiation of breeding programme
In 2007, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs initiated a conservation and restocking project in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forest of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Chidiyatapu Biological Park (CBP) became the focal point to restore the dwindling population. The programme faced several challenges, including the small founding population and the need to maintain genetic diversity.
While discussing the captive breeding methods and care given to newborn piglets, veterinary doctor Sam Verghese, who supervised the process, explained that a small group of Andaman wild pigs was initially established in captivity at CBP.
Breeding efforts began in 2016 and through careful management and strategic breeding, resulted in the successful birth of two piglets. This breakthrough, followed by continued expansion, culminated in the breeding 24 piglets in 2022.
Safeguarding nutritional security for indigenous communities
According to the study, the Andaman wild pig is a unique subspecies and exhibits several distinct features compared to other pig species found in India. These differences are attributed to the island’s unique geographic isolation and distinct evolutionary history.
Andaman wild pigs are smaller in size with shorter limbs and a more compact body compared to mainland Indian pigs and what makes them unique is the higher oxygen carrying capacity of their blood.
Unlike domesticated pigs fed a controlled diet, Andaman wild pigs have a diverse diet consisting of fruits, nuts, roots, and invertebrates. This variety provides a broader range of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, potentially leading to a more complete protein profile in their meat.
Hunting the Andaman wild pig is culturally significant for the Jarawa, an indigenous tribe inhabiting parts of South Andaman and Middle Andaman Islands in India. Traditionally, a successful hunt of the wild pig signifies adulthood for a Jarawa man. These tribes are legally exempt from hunting restrictions imposed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which otherwise attracts punishment of 7 years of imprisonment.
The Jarawa, like three other tribes, choose isolation from modern society. The Indian government respects their decision and in 2004 constituted a committee to protect Jarawas from harmful effects and contact with outside word. Adding to this, in 2012, the Supreme Court of India also banned the entry of non-Jarawa and the undertaking of all commercial and tourism activities within 5 kms of the Jarawas Tribal Reserve in the island.
Maintaining genetic diversity
Discussing the initial challenges of the programme, Verghese explained that maintaining the genetic diversity during the process was a task. The genetic continuity of the species is also under threat due to the introduction of modern domestic breeds of the pig. However, to maintain genetic diversity, other pigs from different areas were added.
There were two main breeding methods: random mating and mean kinship. Mean kinship (the average relationship of an animal with the entire population) was chosen to maximise genetic diversity.
Initially the process began with the addition of four rescued Andaman wild pigs — one male and three females — from different parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This helped minimise relationships between males and females. A 1:3 gender ratio was maintained, and random mating was allowed to support genetic diversity. The breeding programme maintained genetic diversity through six generations.
The enclosure provides a near-natural habitat for the species. Infants receive no specific external care. Generally, the female pig fed the young piglets which transitioned into normal diets as they grew.
The research paper also detailed the special attention given to diet so that the captive bred wild pigs maintain their natural protein values. The diet of captivity is diverse, including coconut, wheat bran, groundnut cake, jaggery, salt, tapioca, potato, and pumpkin, based on their nutritional needs. Leafy vegetables are added for nutrition, and water troughs are provided. The enclosure includes trees for shade, an open canopy area for sunlight, and soft soil for natural behaviours like uprooting and foraging. Deworming is also done every six months.
Read more: Researchers study the elusive dugongs of the Andamans with help from community stakeholders
Banner image: Andaman wild pigs lounging around a tree. Photo by Rachna Verma.