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Poimaan Karadu

Biodiversity research and community-led conservation for this historically important hillock near salem

Project Location

Nazhikkalpatti Village and Gajjalnaickenpatti Village, Panamarathupatti Block, Salem.

Duration

Nov 2025 - May 2026

Funding

None

About the Project

Poimaan Karadu is a prominent and historically important hillock located ~9 km south of Salem city, situated directly on the Salem–Namakkal National Highway. The hill’s fame is entirely due to an optical illusion that is unique to the site.

Key Outcomes

Biodiversity Documentation

524 species of flora and fauna including 180 species of plants, 100+ birds, 70 butterflies, 20 odonates, 22 reptiles, 11 amphibians, 10 mammals, 29 moths and various other fauna.

Conservation Governance

Facilitated Village Panchayat and Biodiversity Management Committee meetings in two panchayats and resolutions were passed to protect the hillock. The major threat to the hillock is quarrying. With support from local communities, a Biodiversity Heritage Site proposal was submitted for the long-term and legal protection of the hillock.

Notable Species

Plants—Albizia amara, Chloroxylon swietenia, Streblus asper, Alangium salvifolium, Hybanthus enneaspermus. Birds: Painted Spurfowl (endemic), Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Eagle-Owl. Reptiles: Sankari Brookiish Gecko, Whitaker’s Termite Hill Gecko (both endemic). Amphibians: Gunther’s Toad (endemic), Marbled Balloon Frog.

Project Members

Ganeshwar S V

Founder and Executive Director

Angeline Mano M

Research Assistant and Nature Educator

Karthikeyan N

external consultant for plant documentation

Related Approaches

Research

Policy and Community Governance

Outreach and Capacity Building