Predicting the potential distribution of the lesser-known endemic Madras hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Order: Eulipotyphla, Family: Erinaceidae) in southern India

Abstract

Abstract The Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris) is a less-known insectivorous mammal, endemic to southern India, and known from the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The nocturnal habit, small body size and elusive nature of P. nudiventris have resulted in limited studies on its habitat selection and ecology. The confirmed locations of P. nudiventris from our field surveys and existing sight records were pooled. These geocoordinates were then used as the “occurrence location” to predict the potential distribution range of P. nudiventris in southern India based on a set of climatic and terrain variables using the MaxEnt algorithm. The predicted model shows the suitable ecological conditions in the districts of Erode, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Coimbatore and Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, making them highly probable sites for its presence. Most of the predicted suitable range and high potential range fall in the non-protected semi-dry zones characterized by low annual rainfall with sparse savanna vegetation, lowland [0–750 m above sea level (asl)] and the rural areas of southern Tamil Nadu. Our findings establish the potential distribution range of this species in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and most of Tamil Nadu.