Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DH
Context: The population of Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s state animal, recorded a 21% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, as per a synchronized survey conducted in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
About Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise:
• What it is? A synchronized bi-annual survey to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr across their habitat range.
• A synchronized bi-annual survey to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr across their habitat range.
• Conducted by: Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Departments, involving 786 frontline staff covering 3,126 km on foot across 177 blocks in 14 forest divisions.
• Key Findings:
• Population rose from 1,031 (2024) to 1,303 (2025). Akkamalai Grass Hills (Anamalai Tiger Reserve) recorded 334 individuals. Mukurthi National Park recorded 282 individuals (approx. 50% of total in TN).
• Population rose from 1,031 (2024) to 1,303 (2025).
• Akkamalai Grass Hills (Anamalai Tiger Reserve) recorded 334 individuals.
• Mukurthi National Park recorded 282 individuals (approx. 50% of total in TN).
• Scientific Milestones:
• Use of drone surveillance, radio-collaring, and community participation. Part of the broader Nilgiri Tahr Recovery Project launched in 2022.
• Use of drone surveillance, radio-collaring, and community participation.
• Part of the broader Nilgiri Tahr Recovery Project launched in 2022.
About Nilgiri Tahr:
• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Legal Protection: Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Common Names: Varaiaadu (Tamil), Varayadu (Malayalam)
• Habitat:
• Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) Occupies steep montane grasslands and shola forest edges at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 m Current distribution confined to a 400 km stretch from Nilgiris to Kanyakumari
• Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala)
• Occupies steep montane grasslands and shola forest edges at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 m
• Current distribution confined to a 400 km stretch from Nilgiris to Kanyakumari
• Physical Features:
• Stocky build, short, coarse fur; males have a distinct silver saddle patch on back Sure-footed climbers adapted to rugged cliffs Closest relatives: Himalayan and Arabian tahrs (but adapted to tropical wet climates)
• Stocky build, short, coarse fur; males have a distinct silver saddle patch on back
• Sure-footed climbers adapted to rugged cliffs
• Closest relatives: Himalayan and Arabian tahrs (but adapted to tropical wet climates)
• Biological Aspects:
• Gestation period: ~180 days and births occur Jan–Feb Average wild lifespan: ~3–3.5 years (can live up to 9 years) Sexual maturity: ~3 years Diurnal grazers – most active in early morning and late evening.
• Gestation period: ~180 days and births occur Jan–Feb
• Average wild lifespan: ~3–3.5 years (can live up to 9 years)
• Sexual maturity: ~3 years
• Diurnal grazers – most active in early morning and late evening.