SYLLABUS

GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended including the Pygmy Hog under the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. 

Significance of the Decision

• Strengthens Species Recovery: Brings one of the world's rarest mammals under a nationally coordinated recovery programme with dedicated financial and technical support. 

• Conserves Grassland Ecosystems: As an indicator species, conserving the Pygmy Hog also safeguards the threatened tall alluvial grasslands and their associated biodiversity in the Brahmaputra floodplains. 

• Builds on Conservation Success: Reinforces the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP), which has successfully combined captive breeding, habitat restoration and scientific reintroductions to revive wild populations. 

• Advances Science-based Conservation: Reflects India's growing emphasis on species-specific, science-based conservation, while strengthening India's commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based management.

About Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species

• Implementation: A flagship component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). 

• Objective: To secure the long-term survival of highly threatened species through species-specific, science-based recovery plans. 

• Major Components: 

• Habitat restoration and protection. 
• Population monitoring and scientific research. 
• Conservation breeding and reintroduction. 
• Threat mitigation and landscape management. 
• Community participation and awareness. 

About the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

• Statutory Body: Constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as the apex advisory body on wildlife conservation in India. 

• Chairperson: Prime Minister of India. 

• Composition: Includes Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Chief of Army Staff, representatives of States/UTs, eminent conservationists, NGOs and experts in wildlife and ecology. 

• Standing Committee (SC-NBWL): Chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; examines proposals requiring wildlife clearance and considers policy and conservation matters on behalf of the NBWL. 

• Key Functions: 

• o Promote conservation and development of wildlife and forests. 
• o Frame policies and advise the Central Government on wildlife conservation. 
• o Approve projects and activities within or around Protected Areas requiring NBWL clearance. 
• o Recommend species-specific conservation and recovery measures, including inclusion under the Species Recovery Programme. 
• o Review the progress of wildlife conservation programmes and suggest measures for strengthening protected area management.