Forest department begins study on Madras Hedgehog in Therikkadu

The Forest Department has taken up a study on Madras Hedgehog (paraechinus nudiventris) in Thoothukudi district as part of the Statewide effort on conservation of less known endangered species in Tamil Nadu.

In September, a Government Order was issued that ₹1 crore had been sanctioned for the conservation of four less known endangered species of Madras hedgehog, striped hyena, lion-tailed macaque, and hump-headed mahseer.

Under the scheme, ₹20.50 lakh had been allocated for the Madras hedgehog, small mammals found in semi-arid landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

In the initial phase of the programme, a 27-day morning and nocturnal survey was conducted in Therikkaadu region of the Thoothukudi district and it resulted in the first confirmation record of a sub-adult male Madras Hedgehog from the reserved forest limits of Therikkaadu region.

The nocturnal species, weighing around 220 gm were recorded by Abinesh Muthaiyan, project associate, and Anjoe Shaiju, field assistant, with the support from forest guards and staff of Tiruchendur forest range.

The systematic survey conducted so far in the region has covered 6 sq. km., using a grid-based approach across heterogeneous thorn scrubs and degraded dry forest habitats. In addition, spotlights transects, an effective method for detecting nocturnal species has been used for the survey.

Thoothukudi District Forest Officer M. Ilayaraja told The Hindu that four districts had been selected for the study of Madras hedgehog in the State, including Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kallakurichi. He said these nocturnal mammals were predominantly found in dry spaces, scrubby jungles and palmyra groves. The first phase of the survey was conducted in Therikkaadu region from dusk until midnight over 27 days, amounting to more than 25 km of sampling effort.

About the reasons affecting the Madras Hedgehog population, he blamed rapid urbanisation and poaching for its alleged medical value.

He said a major component of the study was to create awareness among the local people for that the research team had carried grassroots conservation through community engagement. Village forest committee meetings were conducted in Punnaiyadi and Mela Pudukudi, involving local stakeholders such as farmers and students.

He said the researchers strongly recommend the scaling up of community led conservation initiatives, with focused awareness campaigns on ecology, distribution, and ecological significance of the Madras Hedgehog.

The conservation study had been planned for next 11 months in Thoothukudi district covering several places, followed by other districts in the upcoming phases. “While this sighting offers a beacon of hope, it underscores the urgent need for coordinated conservation to safeguard this elusive nocturnal mammals across Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Ilayaraja said.