Nilgiri Marten in a large tree cavity in western ghats. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Deep in the shaded forests of Western Ghats, Nilgiri Marten (Martes Gwatkinsii), a rare and elusive mammal, found a quiet refuge high above the forest day.
The new research institute of Keral Forest Institute (KFRI) pointed out a lesser -known but important aspect of its survival: large tree cavities.
For more than 18 years of research (2002–2020), Peroth Balakrishhnan, head of the Department of Wild Biology, was followed by Marten (Endemic to Western Ghats) across the ever -green forests in the Silent Valley National Park, Muthikkula forests and Lazhachal Forest Division in Kerala. What he has found offers a new insight into the life of a species that is rarely visible and misunderstood.
“We have noticed eleven Nilgiri Martens observations using Tree Hollows, extended to eight native tree species,” says Dr. Balakrishnan. “There were no trees. They were big, ripe – some with cavities located up to 10 meters above the ground and over a meter deep.” The study is one of the first to document Marten’s use of tree cavities.
Among the species used by martens were types of trees such as Elaeocarpus tuberculatus, artocarpus heterophyllus and cullenia exarillata. These trees, of which many of which are excessive role in maintaining the biodiversity of forests.
Worldwide, tree cavities are considered a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife. More than 500 vertebrate species in the ground, including many rare and endangered species, depend on the cavities of trees for nesting, shelter or protection. Nilgiri Marten, listed as vulnerable IUCN, is one of the species whose dependence on hollow hunting trees has now been scientifically documented, says Dr. Balakrishnan.
While Martens uses in colder regions for thermoregulation of the cavity, Nilgiri Marten seems to rely primarily on safety – from predators such as Rapors – and potentially for denning and social behavior.
“Nilgiri Marten is one of the most elusive small carnivores of Western Ghats,” says Balakrishnan. “Our study shows that large, ripe trees with cavities are not only important, but can be irreplaceable for their survival.”
However, the findings also increase red flags for protection. “Most large trees that disagree in the region are remnants of logging in front of and post -colonial and contemporary plantations that now occupy the huge lines of Western Ghats do not have such features.
“Since the new hollow trees last for decades, even centuries, we do not have luxury of time. The protection of existing trees is our best shot,” says Dr. Balakrishnan.
The study, which will be presented in the upcoming edition of the International Mammalia magazine, requires that forest managers and politicians prefer to maintain old growing trees-as in protected areas, in the landscape of plantations.
Published – April 16 2025 17:52 is
