Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata), a species of freshwater turtle, found in the Cauvery region.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

When we think of wildlife, the iconic images of lions, tigers, and elephants often come to mind. While these big cats and mammals are undoubtedly important, there are countless lesser-known species that deserve equal, if not more, attention. Notably, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched several initiatives to conserve neglected species, such as the slender loris, for which the country’s first sanctuary was established, the dugong, and the Nilgiri Tahr.

In light of World Wildlife Day 2025, observed annually on March 3, here are some of these less ‘famous’ wildlife that conservationists and researchers in Tamil Nadu are working tirelessly to protect.

One species is the elusive Eurasian otter, found along the Tamirabharani river. These shy, nocturnal creatures are often difficult to spot, as explained by Albert Peter Christopher, an ecologist with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). While India is home to three otter species, the Eurasian otter is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. 

Otters play a crucial role in their ecosystem as keystone species, and help maintain the balance of an ecosystem and support biodiversity. Mr. Christopher, who works at ATREE’s Agasthyamalai Community-based Conservation Centre, has also contributed to research on soft-shell turtles in the Cauvery delta.

An otter and freshwater crocodile seen in the Cauvery.
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Jason D. Gerard, a researcher whose work on freshwater turtles uncovered interesting observations, studied the large soft-shell species of the Cauvery River. Among them are Cantor’s Giant Soft-shell (Pelochelys cantorii) and Leith’s Soft-shell Turtle (Nilssonia leithii).

Mr. Gerard and his team, under the guidance of Deepak Veerappan, were surprised to find both species living alongside freshwater crocodiles and otters in a heavily human-altered landscape near the Grand Anicut dam. Despite the absence of a protected area, these species continue to thrive in the region. 

Leiths softshell turtle, which can be identified with the distinctive orangish red mark behind its eyes.
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Mr. Gerard says that designating protected areas alone doesn’t guarantee the survival of these species, as they often move beyond boundaries in search of refuge. He believes educating local communities and involving them in conservation efforts is key to safeguarding these animals.

In Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Vandana Kannan from the Keystone Foundation is working closely with local indigenous communities to protect lesser-known species, such as the grey slender loris and pangolins. Led by Anita Varghese, Vijay Ramesh, and Pratim Roy, Ms. Kannan, R. Mathesan, research assistant from the local community, and 12 members from the local Urali and Sholiga communities conducted population surveys using audio recorders to monitor these nocturnal mammals. The team has also documented the biodiversity of the region in a book titled Ozhudurukka Paradu Mekka – The Hidden Forest Creatures. Published under The Wild Incubator Program, this book sheds light on the threatened nocturnal mammals found in the forests of Tamil Nadu, particularly those living in the Sathyamangalam Hills.