Background of the Study
Madras Hedgehog Conservation Study: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated its first-ever scientific study on the Madras Hedgehog in the Theri forests of Thoothukudi district. This marks a significant step in documenting lesser-known mammalian species of southern India. The initiative reflects growing attention towards micro-fauna conservation.
The Madras Hedgehog is scientifically known as Paraechinus nudiventris and is locally referred to as Mulleli. It is a rare nocturnal mammal endemic to southern India, making its conservation regionally critical.
Static GK fact: Endemic species are organisms restricted to a specific geographical region and are more vulnerable to habitat changes.
Study Area and Geographic Spread
The primary study site is the Theri forest ecosystem, a unique red sand dune habitat found in parts of southern Tamil Nadu. These forests support specialized flora and fauna adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.
Beyond Thoothukudi, the study extends to Tirunelveli, Salem, and Kallakurichi districts. This broader geographic coverage helps assess population distribution and habitat preferences across different landscapes.
Static GK Tip: Theri soils are rich in iron oxides, giving them a distinct red colour and making them ecologically unique.
Institutions Involved
The research is led by the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). The institute is known for applying modern scientific techniques to wildlife monitoring and conservation planning.
Coordination with forest officials ensures field-level data collection and long-term policy integration. This collaboration bridges scientific research with administrative conservation efforts.
Research Methodology
The study employs radio telemetry to monitor the movement patterns of the Madras Hedgehog. This technique allows researchers to track animals without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Data collected includes habitat use, home range size, and activity patterns. The method also helps identify seasonal movement linked to food availability and climatic factors.
Static GK fact: Radio telemetry is widely used in wildlife studies to understand animal behaviour and spatial ecology.
Threat Assessment
The research focuses on identifying threats such as urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, and pesticide exposure. Expansion of human settlements near forest fringes poses increasing risks.
Agricultural chemicals can contaminate soil insects, which form a major part of the hedgehog’s diet. These indirect impacts are often underestimated in small mammal conservation.
Conservation Objectives
One of the core objectives is to develop a species-specific conservation action plan. This plan will guide habitat protection, threat mitigation, and awareness measures.
The study also aims to support the reclassification of the Madras Hedgehog from “Least Concern” to “Threatened” under the IUCN Red List. Scientific evidence is crucial for revising global conservation status.
Static GK Tip: The IUCN Red List categorises species based on population trends, habitat range, and extinction risk.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Madras Hedgehog Conservation Study:
| Topic | Detail |
| Species studied | Madras Hedgehog |
| Scientific name | Paraechinus nudiventris |
| Local name | Mulleli |
| Lead department | Tamil Nadu Forest Department |
| Research institute | Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation |
| Key habitat | Theri forests |
| Districts covered | Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Salem, Kallakurichi |
| Tracking method | Radio telemetry |
| Major threats | Urbanisation, pesticide exposure |
| Conservation goal | IUCN status reclassification |
