Context:
Recent studies highlight the impact of development and agriculture on the habitat of the Nilgiri marten, a rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats.
Key Characteristics
- Endemic to India:
The Nilgiri marten is the only marten species native to India and is exclusively found in the Western Ghats. - Physical Features:
- Resembles a civet or mongoose.
- Has a chocolate-brown fur coat and a distinctive canary yellow throat patch.
- Belongs to the family Mustelidae, known for small carnivores.
Habitat
- Primarily inhabits:
- Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
- Shola ecosystems, which are high-altitude montane forests interspersed with grasslands.
- Plantation ecosystems such as tea, coffee, cardamom, acacia, and wattle plantations.
- Geographical Range:
Found across:- Tamil Nadu: Nilgiri Hills, Anamalai Hills
- Kerala: Pampadum Shola National Park, Cardamom Hills
- Karnataka: Brahmagiri and Agasthyamalai Hills
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA): Schedule II – offers significant protection against hunting and exploitation.
Threats
- Habitat Loss:
- Developmental projects, agriculture, and deforestation are shrinking their habitat, particularly the shola forests.
- Human Disturbance:
- Expansion of tea and coffee plantations encroaches on their natural habitats.
- Limited Awareness:
- As a lesser-known species, conservation efforts have been limited compared to more iconic wildlife.
Conservation Efforts
- Tamil Nadu’s Endangered Species Conservation Fund:
- The Tamil Nadu government has established India’s first dedicated fund for endangered species like the Nilgiri marten.
- Objective: To protect, conserve, and recover lesser-known species facing extinction.
- Habitat Preservation:
- Protection of Shola ecosystems and plantation landscapes critical to the species’ survival.
- Restoration of fragmented habitats and establishment of wildlife corridors.
- Research and Monitoring:
- Comprehensive studies to understand their distribution, behavior, and ecological role in the Western Ghats.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Legal Protections: Ensure strict enforcement of conservation laws and prevent habitat encroachment.
- Promote Community Involvement: Involve local communities and plantation workers in habitat restoration and wildlife-friendly practices.
- Raise Public Awareness: Increase awareness of the Nilgiri marten and its ecological importance in maintaining biodiversity in the Western Ghats.