1. Endangered Species in and Around Chennai

Several endangered species inhabit the Chennai region:​

• Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: These turtles nest along Chennai’s beaches, including Besant Nagar. Conservationists have safeguarded over 260,000 turtle eggs in 2025 alone. However, threats like fishing nets and habitat loss persist. 
• Hawksbill Turtles: A critically endangered species, a hatchling was recently spotted near the Broken Bridge coast at Besant Nagar, indicating their presence in the area. 
• White-rumped and Long-billed Vultures: Populations of these critically endangered vultures have shown a positive trend in Tamil Nadu, with numbers increasing due to conservation efforts.  
• Lion-tailed Macaque: Found in the Western Ghats, this primate is among the most endangered animals in the world, facing threats from habitat loss. 

2. Protected Habitats Near Chennai

The region boasts several protected areas that serve as crucial habitats:​

• Pallikaranai Marsh: A freshwater marshland within Chennai, it’s among the last remaining natural wetlands in South India, supporting numerous rare and endangered species 
• Guindy National Park: Located within the city, this park is home to species like blackbucks, spotted deer, and various birds, serving as a green lung for Chennai.  
• Karikili Bird Sanctuary: Situated about 75 km from Chennai, this sanctuary hosts around 100 bird species and has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2022.  

3. Conservation Initiatives in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government has launched several initiatives to protect endangered species and habitats 

• Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Established with a corpus of ₹50 crore, this fund aims to recover biodiversity on the verge of extinction. 
• Hornbill Conservation Initiative: Efforts are underway to protect habitats of endangered species like hornbills, Madras hedgehogs, and Bengal foxes. 

These initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity for future generations.