Elvira Rat Conservation
Conservation of the Critically Endangered Elvira rats (Cremnomyselvira) in the type locality, Eastern Ghats of Salem, India
Purpose
To strengthen protection for large rock Rat by research and commnunity participation in Tamil Nadu, India
Objectives
- To find the distribution of Cremnomys elvira in Kurumbapatti Reserver forests and surroundings
- To carryout taxonomic reassessment and molecular analysis of the genus Cremnomys
- To assess the impact of anthropogenic threats
- To initiate the species conservation works
The knowledge gap persists on the local distribution, ecology of the Elvira rats for so many years. And the species, that are nocturnal and can be studied only through systematic trapping. As the specimens are not available in Indian museums and no information on the species existence. Being nocturnal the rats can be studied only systematic trapping. The untold truth is the gaps in wildlife research on small mammals in general. This less attractive species are having very poor attention, further less explored species such as these wild rodents are in peril. The knowledge gap triggers the species in the line of extinction. The higher taxon approach needs to be revised and the Indian scenario of the rodent pest aspects to rodent conservation aspects must be changed. Many saxatile rodents inhabit extreme environments often very difficult to work, difficult to observe their behavior and track; excellent climbing characters and shy behaviors of many rock specialists makes capturing is extremely complicated; rare, threatened or on the verge of extinction. These rats are not protected by the wildlife protection law in India.
IUCN red list recommended that there is a need to undertake surveys to locate Elvira rats, viable populations of this species, and to identify appropriate areas for conservation. We are conducting fieldworks from 2020 and the research works are ongoing.
