The past and current distribution of the lesser-known Indian endemic Madras Hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae)

Abstract

The Madras Hedgehog Paraechinus nudiventris (Horsefield, 1851) is a species endemic to a few isolated patches in southern India threatened by habitat loss and direct take. Little is known about its historical distribution or present climatic needs, both of which could provide important baselines for conservation and habitat restoration. The current distribution of Paraechinus nudiventris was modelled using occurrences collected in the field and from community reports. Based on the current climatic niche estimated from Maxent, Madras Hedgehog distribution was projected into southern India during the last interglacial gap (120,000–140,000 YBP), and last glacial maximum (22,000 YBP) and mid-Holocene (~6,000 YBP). During the (Last Interglacial Gap) LIG the suitable habitat was restricted to the Palghat gap in the southern Western Ghats mountains and a small region in south Sri Lanka, although it is unclear whether the suitable climates in Sri Lanka were occupied and then extirpated, or never colonized. The present climatic niche of the species is confined to lower elevations and semi-arid plains of southern and central Tamil Nadu in India. The contemporary models can be used to update the IUCN range map for P. nudiventris in India, as well as identify suitable habitats for this species to guide local conservation strategies.