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Chennai, 8 October (IANS) In a major boost for conservation efforts, the Tamil Nadu government has officially notified Nagamalai Hilloc in Irod district as the state’s fourth biodiversity heritage site (BHS).
Ecological hosts 138 species of rich hill plants, 118 species of birds, seven mammals, 11 reptiles, five spiders and 71 varieties insects, which make it an important natural habitat.
With this, Nagamalai joined the state’s growing list of protected ecological hotspots.
In Madurai, Aratapatti was declared a BHS in November 2022, followed by Kasampatti in Dindigul in March 2025 and Elthur Lake in Salem in August 2025.
Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest, Supriya Sahu said, “Biodiversity Heritage Sites are ecological areas that support unique and delicate ecosystems. They protect rare, threatened and keystone species, preserve evolutionary importance, and strengthen cultural relations with nature,”
“Recognition as BHS is proud of local communities, conservation strengthens morality, and ensures that traditional livelihood thrives with ecological stability.”
Officials emphasized that the situation of BHS does not restrict traditional or customary use by local communities. Instead, its aim is to increase ecological balance and improve the quality of life by protecting delicate houses.
The Nagamalai hill is considered an ecological hotspot due to various landscapes of deep water pockets, shallow margins, mudflats and rocky outflows. It is an important asylum for both migrant and resident birds, including major raptor species such as Greater Spotted Eagle, Pallid Harrier and Eagle of Benelli.
Its wetland ecosystems also maintain a rich variety of aquatic species.
Beyond its natural wealth, the site bears deep historical and cultural significance. Archaeological findings include Cairn Circle, ancient rock shelters and artifacts from the iron era that pointed to early human settlements. A 400 -year -old stone carvings of Lord Anjane, documented by the Archaeological Department, throw light on its cultural heritage.
Local support for this step has been strong.
Elthur Town Panchayat passed a resolution supporting the BHS notification earlier this year, paving the way for the announcement. Officials said that the recognition would help to preserve this unique habitat by combining local residents to preserve both biodiversity and cultural identity.
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aal/vd