Environment News

Madras Hedgehog Conservation

October 25 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 14 0

Tenkasi Forest Division has proposed expanding the ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ programme to conserve the Madras hedgehog (mulleli).
The Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris) is a nocturnal, spiny mammal found in southern India and is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
It has been recorded in Alangulam, Sankarankovil, Sivagiri and Uthumalai areas of Tenkasi district, with sightings photo-documented by the Forest Department.
Students, volunteers, local youth and villagers will be trained to identify and report threats to the Madras hedgehog and other wildlife.
Forest Guard Brother / Forest Guard Sister will be nominated for schools and colleges to support wildlife awareness, while Village Forest Committees will assist conservation activities.