Nicobari Pig:Prosperity of Nicobari Tribes of Nicobar Islands, India

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 big and small Islands & Islets in the South Eastern part of Bay of Bengal. The Nicobari pigs (Sus scrofus nicobaricus) are well adapted to the island ecosystem. The rearing systems of Nicobari pig, population status, phenotypic characterization, slaughter & pork consumption pattern are discussed. The Nicobari tribes are responsible for domestication and maintaining the Nicobari pig since many centuries. The effect of 2004 disaster tsunami on tribal community, livelihood and pig population are also discussed. Nicobari pigs are reared by the Nicobari tribes community and the pigs are concentrated only in Nicobar group of islands. Pigs are reared under free range resource driven production system. Pigs are fed mainly with coconut and locally available feed resources. The phenotypic characters showed that the Nicobari pigs are indigenous to these islands and their existence is noted since many centuries. The pigs are considered as family asset among the tribes and used in all their ceremonial functions. No commercial farms or sale of meat is practised. Research on conservation and productivity enhancement is the need of the hour.