The pygmy hog is a unique genus: 19th century taxonomists got it right first time round.
The pygmy hog, Sus salvanius, the smallest and rarest extant suid was first described as the only member of the genus Porcula. It is currently regarded as member of the genus Sus and a sister taxon of the domestic pig/Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). Phylogenetic analyses of 2316 bp from three mtDNA loci (control-region, cytochrome b, 16S) by Bayesian inference and statistical testing of alternative phylogenetic hypotheses all support the original classification of the pygmy hog as a unique genus. Thus, we propose that the species name Porcula salvania should be resurrected. The reclassification will heighten awareness of the need for the future protection and survival of this unique species.
Funk
Stephan M
SM
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augrès Manor, Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands, UK.
Verma
Sunil Kumar
SK
Larson
Greger
G
Prasad
Kasturi
K
Singh
Lalji
L
Narayan
Goutam
G
Fa
Julia E
JE
D000818:Animals; D002965:Classification; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000032:analysis; D049672:History, 19th Century; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013552:Swine / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial