The primary focus of  this study carried out in the Shencottah gap was to improve habitat connectivity between the Agasthyamalai and Periyar-Srivilliputhur hill ranges and complement our study to identify critical areas for wildlife corridors. The project targets two conservation priorities, the first is to develop incentive-based mechanisms to encourage land-use changes by landholders in the area that would lead not only to a healthier and more productive forest but also to the expansion of area under forest cover.