The newly opened Slender Loris Conservation Center at Ayyalur in Dindigul District. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Forest and Khadi Minister RS Rajakannappan on Saturday virtually inaugurated the Slender Loris Conservation Center at Ayyalur in Dindigul district, the first such facility in India dedicated to the conservation of the endangered nocturnal primate.
According to an official release, the center has been established to promote long-term conservation, research and public awareness of the slender ottlon, a small arboreal primate found in the dry forests and scrubland of southern India and Sri Lanka.
The species helps control agricultural pests by feeding on insects and small invertebrates, but faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and human disturbance.
The Tamil Nadu government had earlier notified the Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary, which is spread over 11,806.56 hectares in seven blocks across Dindigul and Karur districts and covers reserve forests like Thoppaswimalai, Thanneerkaradu, Mudimalai and D. Edayapatti.
A conservation center was set up in Dindigul Forest Division at a cost of ₹16.04 crore. Facilities include an outdoor interpretation center, eco-trails, hiking trails, night observation facilities, children’s learning areas, a primate pavilion, nature trails and other eco-educational infrastructure.
Environment, Climate Change and Forests Minister Supriya Sahu said the center will promote scientific research, habitat restoration and community awareness to strengthen conservation of the species and its arid ecosystems.
Among those present were Dindigul District Collector S. Saravanan, PCCF and Chief Forest Force Srinivas R. Reddy, Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Special Secretary Anurag Mishra, Dindigul District Forest Officer Sathish Gidijala along with other officials and researchers.
Published – 07 March 2026 20:46 IST
