Madras Hedgehog:
The Tamil Nadu forest department has begun a study on the rare mammal species Madras Hedgehog at the Theri forests in the district.
- Madras Hedgehog, locally known as Mulleli is a tiny mammal.
- It is also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog.
- It has sharp spines on its back.
- It curls into a ball to protect itself from predators.
- It is a nocturnal species.
- It has mastered survival in some of the harshest and driest landscapes.
- The species prefers dry scrublands, thorn forests, grasslands and the edges of farmlands.
- It is found only in peninsular India, primarily across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka.
- It feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, earthworms and termites, apart from plants.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
- Its population declined largely due to hunting driven by mythical beliefs that its quills and meat have medicinal value.
- Hedgehog Species in India: Of the 17 species of hedgehog around the world, India is home to three:
- Indian Long-eared or collared hedgehog
- Indian hedgehog
- Bare-bellied or Madras hegehog
