Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 October 2025
As part of the 71st Wildlife Week celebrations, the Department of Environment and Forests, in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, released six endangered Andaman Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa andamensis) into the Reserve Forest within the Jarawa Tribal Reserve Area on 3rd October 2025. The release included two males and four females.
The Andaman Wild Pig, an endemic and endangered species of the islands, is under continuous conservation management by the Forest Department. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to breed the species in captivity and reintroduce them into their natural habitat to strengthen the conservation of native wildlife.
Officials said the programme also aims to augment the natural food resources of the Jarawa tribe and contribute to restoring the depleting food base within the reserve.
The event was attended by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, as chief guest, along with Mr. M. Rajkumar, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and senior officers from the Departments of Forest and Tribal Welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director (Tribal Welfare) welcomed the initiative, describing it as both a conservation milestone and a step toward supporting the food security of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Director of the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, who acknowledged the coordination and support of all officers and staff involved in the release.
