Why in news?
Tamil Nadu's forest department launched its first dedicated study on the species in January 2026 at Thoothukudi's Theri forests, appointing three researchers for a one-year project. The effort, led by the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, using radio telemetry to track movements and questionnaire surveys. It includes districts Tirunelveli, Salem, and Kallakurichi.
Key Facts about the Madras Hedgehog
- Scientific Name: Paraechinus nudiventris (Bare-bellied Hedgehog)
- Local Name: Mulleli
- First Described: 1851 by Horsfield
- Appearance:
- Sharp spines on the back for defense
- Soft white fur on the belly (hence “bare-bellied”)
- Weighs 130–315 grams
- Behavior:
- Nocturnal, feeds on insects (can eat up to 40 insects per hour)
- Rolls into a ball to protect itself from predators like foxes, jackals, and mongooses
- Lifespan: 5–6 years in the wild
Distribution & Habitat
- Found in dry scrublands, farmlands, and semi-arid grasslands.
- Endemic to southeastern India, especially Tamil Nadu (Erode, Tirupur, Theri forests), Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern (previously Vulnerable).
- Legal Protection: Listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India.
- Threats:
- Habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization
- Poaching for traditional medicine
- Lack of awareness about its ecological role
Ecological Importance
- Acts as a natural pest controller by consuming large numbers of insects.
- Indicator species for the health of scrubland ecosystems.
- Helps maintain balance in semi-arid habitats.
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