Nilgiri marten, a rare species endemic to the Western Ghats, faces intense challenges due to habitat fragmentation and encroachment. A recent study focuses on the situation of this small carnivore.Approximately 62 percent of its habitat is at risk, primarily due to development and agricultural activities. This poses a serious threat to the survival of the species.
With an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 individuals in the wild, the Nilgiri marten is categorized as a vulnerable species. The fragmentation of its habitat further weakens the existing population, increasing the risk of local extinctions. The study conducted on the distribution and conservation status of the Nilgiri marten employed various techniques, including camera traps, systematic searches, and analysis of secondary records. The results provided valuable insights into the species’ preferred habitats and the anthropogenic threats it faces.
To ensure the long-term survival of the Nilgiri marten, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Conservation measures should focus on protecting the existing habitats outside protected areas, especially in Shola ecosystems comprising semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, as well as forest patches interspersed with grasslands and plantations. Over the past two decades, significant forest areas within the potential habitat of the Nilgiri marten have been lost. Approximately 94 square kilometers of vital habitat have been cleared, primarily due to human activities.
The Nilgiri marten is found in five primary habitat clusters in the Western Ghats, namely Brahmagiri, Nilgiris, Anamalai, Cardamom Hills, and Agasthyamalai. These regions demand heightened conservation efforts to protect the species and its unique ecological role.