Description

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Context

A recent Kerala Forest Research Institute study (2002–2020) highlights that the Nilgiri marten relies heavily on old, hollow-bearing trees for its survival.

The findings raise urgent concerns about conserving mature trees in the Western Ghats.

What are Nilgiri Martens?

The Nilgiri marten is a rare, carnivorous mammal found only in the Western Ghats of India. It is the only marten species native to southern India and is known for its elusive nature, making it one of the least studied small carnivores in the region.

Features of Nilgiri Marten

Aspect	Details
Scientific Name	Martes gwatkinsii
Family	Mustelidae (same family as otters and weasels)
IUCN Status	Vulnerable
CITES Status	Appendix III (India)
Distribution	Endemic to the Western Ghats, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Appearance	Reddish-brown fur, long slender body, bushy tail, and a distinctive yellow or orange throat patch
Size	Medium-sized, around 55–65 cm body length + tail
Behaviour	Arboreal (tree-living), agile, solitary, shy and elusive
Diet	Omnivorous – feeds on fruits, insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles
Habitat	Evergreen and Shola forests of mid to high elevations (above 1,000 m)

Ecological Role

Acts as a predator of small animals and insects – helps control pest populations.

Aids in seed dispersal by eating fruits.

Indicator of forest health – thrives only in undisturbed habitats.

Importance of Tree Hollows

Aspect	Details
Ecological Value	Vital microhabitats for >500 vertebrate species in India
Species Benefited	Birds, bats, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians
Nilgiri Marten's Dependency	Relies on tree hollows for shelter, safety and possibly reproduction
Hollow Formation Time	Takes decades to centuries to naturally develop

Conservation Concerns

Issue	Details
Loss of Old Trees	Logging, plantations replacing native forests
Lack of Legal Protection	Many hollow-bearing trees lie outside Protected Areas
Unsuitable Plantations	Fast-growing plantations like acacia and eucalyptus lack tree hollows
Time to Form New Hollows	Too long to wait for natural replacements

KFRI’s Recommendations

Recommendation	Explanation
Retain Old-Growth Trees	Both in Protected Areas and plantations
Policy Reforms	Include hollow-bearing tree conservation in forest management policies
Incentivize Mixed Forests	Promote plantation models with native species that develop hollows
Awareness and Monitoring	Educate stakeholders; implement long-term monitoring of hollow users

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Nilgiri Marten consider the following statements:

It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
It is endemic to the Western Ghats and is rarely sighted.
According to recent studies, it relies on hollow trees primarily for thermoregulation.
Logging and plantation expansion pose threats to its habitat.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer: B.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect.

It is listed as Vulnerable not Critically Endangered.

Statement 2 is correct.

It is endemic to the Western Ghats and is elusive.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

It relies on tree hollows primarily for safety not thermoregulation.

Statement 4 is correct.

Logging and plantations threaten its natural habitat.