Brandt Hedgehog Discovered in Jammu and Kashmir, First Record for India

New Hedgehog Species Recorded in India for the First Time in Jammu and Kashmir

India’s biodiversity map has expanded with the discovery of a previously unrecorded hedgehog species in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Confirmed through DNA sequencing and detailed morphological analysis, the finding marks the first-ever Indian record of Brandt’s hedgehog , underscoring the ecological significance of the western Himalayan region.

First Sighting in the Rajouri–Poonch Belt

The species was first officially documented in 2024 in the Rajouri–Poonch region by the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department . Field teams initially identified the animal as the long-eared Indian hedgehog based on external features. However, closer scientific examination later revealed that it was Brandt’s hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) —a species never before reported from India.

This confirmation makes the discovery a national first , adding a new mammal species to India’s faunal records.

Scientific Validation and Institutional Collaboration

The identification was validated using DNA profiling and morphometric studies , ensuring accuracy beyond visual classification. The work was carried out by the wildlife department in collaboration with researchers from University of Jammu and Osmania University .

The findings were formally presented at the sixth meeting of the J&K Wildlife Board , chaired by Manoj Sinha , in December. The study was led by Wildlife Warden Amit Sharma , who highlighted the importance of combining genetic tools with field ecology.

Biogeographical Importance and Range Extension

Until now, Brandt’s hedgehog was known to inhabit regions across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Central Asia . Its presence in Jammu and Kashmir suggests a south-eastward range extension , possibly influenced by:

• Climate variability

• Improved habitat connectivity

• Shifts in prey availability

Field observations indicate that the species prefers ecotone zones —transitional landscapes between agricultural fields and forest edges—and primarily feeds on rodents , placing it as a small but important component of local food webs.

Conservation Significance and Future Directions

Experts believe the discovery highlights how underexplored border landscapes can still yield significant zoological findings. Conservationists have recommended:

• Detailed habitat mapping

• Long-term population monitoring

• Inclusion of the species in regional wildlife management plans

A research paper documenting the discovery has been submitted to international peer-reviewed journals, and the species is expected to feature in the Zoological Survey of India annual list of newly recorded species.

Exam-Focused Points

• Brandt’s hedgehog ( Paraechinus hypomelas ) has been recorded in India for the first time.