Madras Hedgehog in Conservation Programme

Why in news?

The Tenkasi Forest Division has proposed to expand the ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ programme to conserve Madras hedgehog, ‘mulleli’ in Tamil, also.

• Golden Jackal Ambassadors Scheme – The programme, launched in 2025 for golden jackal conservation.
• Since this programme has yielded the results - increasing the golden jackal population , this scheme is expanded to conserve Madras hedgehog.
• Madras Hedgehog in Conservation Programme – It aims to protect another lesser-known species through public participation and awareness.

Features of the expanded programme

• Conservation ambassadors – School and college students, volunteers, local youth and villagers will be trained as conservation ambassadors.
• Educational institutions will nominate “Forest Guard Brothers” and “Forest Guard Sisters” to spread awareness and assist conservation efforts.
• Forest officials will conduct regular training, awareness campaigns and data collection exercises.
• Village Forest Committees will work with local communities and students living near forest areas.
• Reason for focus – Major threats include
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Road mortality
  • Illegal hunting and capture
  • Use in traditional medicine practices
• Findings from recent survey – A survey in 38 villages of Tenkasi recorded responses from 867 residents regarding hedgehog sightings and around 53% of respondents reported seeing the species during the monsoon season.

Madras Hedgehog

• Scientific name – Paraechinus nudiventris.
• It is a small, nocturnal, insect-eating mammal endemic to southern India.
• It also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog or locally called mul-eli (thorn-rat).
• Habitat – It inhabits dry scrublands, grasslands and semi-arid regions.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red list – Least Concern.

Reference

The Hindu | ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ programme expanded to conserve Madras hedgehog also