MADURAI: The recurring deaths of grey slender loris, a critically endangered species, in Melur have prompted calls from activists to renew their call to establish a sanctuary for them covering Madurai and Dindigul districts, warning that habitat degradation, roadkills and quarrying activities were posing a serious threat to the nocturnal primate.
According to activists, grey slender loris is found in significant numbers in villages around Alagar Hills, including Alagarkoil, Kesavanpatti, Idayapatti, Melavalavu, Pattur, Kambur, Chekkipatti and Karungalakudi. Scientific surveys have recorded the presence of more than 100 animals in Kesavanpatti-Idayapatti.
The species live in tree hollows, dense vegetation, palm groves and wooded patches adjoining farmlands. However, loss of habitat due to deforestation, quarrying and human interference threaten their survival. Forest department sources said that five slender loris deaths have been recorded in the Melur range since 2025, most cases linked to human activities.
Activists, however, claim the mortality rate could be much higher as roadkill incidents often go unreported.
“Kesavanpatti is located close to Aruvi Malai, which forms part of the Alagar Hills forest reserve. Slender lorises are frequently spotted in agricultural fields bordering the forests. The deaths recorded by the department are only the tip of the iceberg. We have witnessed several animals being killed on roads,” said C Jeeva, an environmentalist from Kesavanpatti.
Seeking long-term protection for the species, Jeeva and other residents urged the State government to notify a second slender loris sanctuary covering suitable habitats in Madurai and adjoining Sivaganga district.
Another environmentalist Kambur Selvaraj alleged that quarrying activities in Kottampatti Union fragmented the species’ habitat.
“Blasting of rocks, dust and continuous vibrations from more than 10 stone quarries have affected the breeding habitat of slender lorises. Their numbers have visibly declined over the years. On the lines of Kadavur sanctuary, the government should establish a dedicated sanctuary covering parts of Madurai to ensure their survival,” he said.
Senior forest department officials said a proposal seeking sanctuary status has been forwarded to the Tamil Nadu government. Officials said the forests shared by Madurai and Dindigul districts, particularly the Alagar Hills landscape, support a sizable slender loris population, which often moves into nearby agricultural areas at night in search of food.
The department has also been conducting awareness programmes for motorists to encourage cautious driving during night hours to reduce roadkill incidents, officials added.
