Conservation of the Madras Hedgehog in Rural Tamil Nadu

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The Madras hedgehog (Parachinus nudiventris, Horsfield 1851) also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog, is a small-sized insectivorous mammal endemic to the dry scrub forests and grasslands of southeastern India. It is one of the 17 species of hedgehogs found in the world. 

Although locally common in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, very little is known about the Madras hedgehog’s ecology and population status. Hedgehogs are hunted for medicinal purposes and traded in the illegal pet trade. At the same … Read More

Painted Bat, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka

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The painted bat (Kerivoula picta), also known as the painted wooly bat, is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia but uncommon species to see. This image was taken on a banana plantation in Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka.

Little is known about its ecology but has been recorded from dry deciduous and dipterocarp forests, small woodland patches, floodplains, paddy fields, sugarcane fields, orchards, and mixed plantations. Small groups of these animals (2-4) can be seen roosting inside unusual sites … Read More