Bare-bellied hedgehog

Bare-bellied hedgehog
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Erinaceidae
Genus: Paraechinus
Species:
P. nudiventris
Binomial name
Paraechinus nudiventris
(Horsfield, 1851)
Distribution of bare-bellied hedgehog[1]

The bare-bellied hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), also known as the Madras hedgehog, is a species of hedgehog that is endemic to dry arid regions and scrubby jungles in southeastern India.[2] As it was believed to be rare, it was formerly listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. It is now known to be locally common in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, resulting in its new listing as a species of Least Concern.[3] Hedgehogs are protected species under schedule IV of Wildlife Protection Act (1972).[4][5]

It was also found in Kottayam and Palakkad districts of Kerala.

Madras hedgehogs are hunted locally in India for subsistence food and medicinal purposes. They are wildly perceived to be a cure for tuberculosis and asthma, as well as offer relief against coughs.

  1. ^ a b Chakraborty, S.; Srinivasulu, C.; Molur, S. (2017). "Paraechinus nudiventris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T39594A22326706. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T39594A22326706.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Hutterer, R. (2005). Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 217. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  3. ^ Majumdar, Meghna (26 February 2021). "Meet the Madras hedgehog". The Hindu.
  4. ^ "Hedgehog seized from house". The Hindu. 27 December 2015.
  5. ^ Oppili, P. (20 August 2020). "Madras hedgehogs tickle fancy of Chennai's pet traders | Chennai News". The Times of India.