Nilgiri Thar
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu will jointly conduct a Nilgiri Tahr census in April, across 265 census blocks to mark 50 years of Eravikulam National Park.
About Nilgiri Tahr:
• What it is? The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the only mountain ungulate endemic to southern India and the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the only mountain ungulate endemic to southern India and the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN Red List: Endangered Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Key Biological Features:
• A sure-footed herbivore found at elevations of 1,200–2,600 metres. Displays sexual dimorphism; males are larger and darker. Adapted to wet, tropical montane climates and active during the day (diurnal).
• A sure-footed herbivore found at elevations of 1,200–2,600 metres.
• Displays sexual dimorphism; males are larger and darker.
• Adapted to wet, tropical montane climates and active during the day (diurnal).
• Habitat and Distribution:
• Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats, across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala), Mukurthi National Park and Grass Hills National Park (Tamil Nadu), Silent Valley and Agasthyamalai ranges (Kerala–TN border areas). Prefers montane grasslands, shola forests, and rocky highlands. Historical range extended across 400 km; now reduced to fragmented patches.
• Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats, across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala), Mukurthi National Park and Grass Hills National Park (Tamil Nadu), Silent Valley and Agasthyamalai ranges (Kerala–TN border areas).
• Eravikulam National Park (Kerala), Mukurthi National Park and Grass Hills National Park (Tamil Nadu), Silent Valley and Agasthyamalai ranges (Kerala–TN border areas).
• Prefers montane grasslands, shola forests, and rocky highlands.
• Historical range extended across 400 km; now reduced to fragmented patches.
• Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022–2027) aims to conserve Tamil Nadu’s state animal through scientific surveys, radio telemetry, and reintroduction into historical habitats. According to the recent survey, there are about 1,229 Nilgiri Tahrs in Tamil Nadu and around 827 in Kerala.
• According to the recent survey, there are about 1,229 Nilgiri Tahrs in Tamil Nadu and around 827 in Kerala.