Tamil Nadu Allocates Rs 1 Crore for Conservation of Four Endangered Species
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 1 crore for a new conservation program, focusing on four lesser-known endangered species: the lion-tailed macaque, Madras hedgehog, striped hyena, and hump-headed mahseer. The program aims to protect and preserve these species through various interventions.
Rs 48.5 lakh has been earmarked for the lion-tailed macaque, Rs 20.5 lakh for the Madras hedgehog, Rs 14 lakh for the striped hyena, and Rs 17 lakh for the hump-headed mahseer. The program will support habitat monitoring, long-term population studies, and ecological surveys. Special interventions include canopy bridges for macaques, community awareness programs, training of frontline forest staff, and in-situ breeding and release programs for mahseer.
The lion-tailed macaque survives in fragmented rainforest patches in the Western Ghats. The Madras hedgehog, a nocturnal species, is found in the semi-arid regions of southern India and remains largely understudied and unprotected. The striped hyena is witnessing a sharp decline in numbers, particularly across the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve landscape. The hump-headed mahseer has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to dams, destructive fishing, and invasive species.
The initiative aims to generate baseline data on population and habitat status, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and enhance ecological resilience. The program is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the conservation efforts of these endangered species in Tamil Nadu.
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