Research Projects

The endangered Nicobar Treeshrew, Tupaia nicobarica (Zelebor, 1869), is a small tree-dwelling mammal species endemic to India. Unlike the other two treeshrew species found on the mainland of India (Anathana ellioti and Tupaia belangeri), this species is confined to the insular environment that spans about 1000 km² in the Nicobar Islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, where it is facing an ongoing reduction in both the quality of its habitat and the size of its territory. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species indicates that the population is currently in decline, with no data available to estimate its numbers. Based on geographic distribution, two subspecies have been identified: Tupaia nicobarica nicobarica from Great Nicobar Island and Tupaia nicobarica surda from Little Nicobar Island. However, the genetic relationships between these populations from the two islands remain poorly understood, bringing uncertainties for their genetic makeup. To date, the population of this species on Little Nicobar Island has not been studied. Aside from a single study focusing on their behavior and ecology, as well as a recorded nest from the Great Nicobar Island, there is currently a lack of information regarding their population dynamics and conservation status. Being the least studied of all the treeshrew species of the world, the IUCN Small Mammal Specialist Group has also called for extensive field surveys to determine the Nicobar Treeshrew's distribution, habitat, ecology, and conservation status. Furthermore, it is uncertain how this species may be affected after the 2004 tsunami. Therefore, understanding the present population conditions of this species is essential for effective conservation management. By employing integrative methods, the study will implement advanced non-invasive techniques to evaluate the population status, in addition to the genetic diversity and structure, habitat preferences of the Nicobar Treeshrew in the Nicobar Islands. The data collected will inform the development of a management strategy aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Nicobar Treeshrew.