Researcher evolves plan to protect Madras hedgehogs – Times of India

Chennai News

Wildlife researcher Brawin Kumar has drafted a proposal to protect the hedgehog

CHENNAI: Wildlife researcher Brawin Kumar has drafted a proposal to protect the Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), a small mammal, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The proposal, submitted to the state forest department, suggests population estimation, field-based research, establishing hedgehog conservation centres, and understanding and mitigating the threats faced by this species.
Brawin said there is no policy to conserve this hedgehog.
“This small mammal is facing threat from pet traders and buyers,” he said.
“As a policy decision, the animal should be protected under the schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act. Declaring this as a scheduled animal will help in reducing the trapping and rearing of this animal,” he said.
A coordinated national mission for the conservation of hedgehogs should be established, he said.
Besides, declaring a national hedgehog day and celebrating it besides establishing conservation reserves in semi-arid landscapes in the state will help in the protection of this species, Brawin has said in the proposal.
Conservation measures can be taken up by holding discussions among zoology students in each district in the state.
Information about the hedgehog should be included in the school curriculum and made part of school education and awareness programme, he said.
An adult Madras hedgehog can grow up to 25cm long and can weigh up to 300 grams.
The body is covered with short stiff-pointed spines on the crown, back and lateral sides. The legs, tail, belly and ventral side of the head are covered by short hair.
“The spines are very sharp at the tip and give protection from predators,” said Brawin.

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Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/researcher-evolves-plan-to-protect-madras-hedgehogs/articleshow/81752619.cms