Tamil Nadu’s Endangered Species’ Conservation ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

Tamil Nadu has approved a budget of Rs 1 crore for the preservation of four endangered species: the lion-tailed macaque, Madras hedgehog, striped hyaena, and hump-headed mahseer fish.

Details of Species

Lion-tailed macaque: This species is classified as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN and is listed under CITES Appendix I. It is protected under Schedule I of the WPA and is endemic to the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Major threats include extensive agriculture, urbanization, and mining. It survives in fragmented rainforest patches.
 Madras or Bare-Bellied Hedgehog: This species has a Least Concern (LC) status according to the IUCN and is not listed under CITES. It is protected under Schedule II in India. Locally known as the ‘thorny rat’, it is a nocturnal species found in semi-arid regions.
 Striped Hyaena: The IUCN categorizes this species as Near Threatened (NT). It is not listed under CITES but is protected under Schedule III in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Pakistan, and India. It faces threats from persecution, especially poisoning, and a decrease in carrion sources. It is a natural scavenger that helps regulate diseases but is experiencing a sharp decline in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
 Hump-headed mahseer fish: This fish is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN. It faces threats from dams, destructive fishing, and invasive species.