Mapping the Distribution of the Endemic Madras Hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris in Tamil Nadu, India

Small mammals play important roles as ecological indicators, dispersers of seeds, food for various species, and contributors to a stable and healthy ecosystem. However, the lack of ecological data to inform their conservation remains a significant challenge in the protection of many rare and threatened species in their natural environments. Among the various small mammals at risk is the Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), endemic to a few districts in South India. To inform conservation initiatives for this species, distribution data and thorough investigations of the threats that the species is facing are of upmost importance. In this study, we focused on finding new distribution records for P. nudiventris through field visits and community interviews. Further, we compiled and analysed rescue data for P. nudiventris from the years 2012 to 2022 and used this information to further map the species’ presence in selected districts. To supplement our findings, we gathered information from previously published sources, newspaper reports, and roadkill data. We conducted a questionnaire survey interviewing village residents between January 2021 and May 2022 to collect primary data on the presence of hedgehogs. Our efforts resulted in the recording of 230 sightings of P. nudiventris in a total of 19 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. These discoveries contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of this species and will be useful in conservation planning and management at local and national levels.