Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain ungulate species that is endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats in India. Recently, a joint census in Kerala and Tamil Nadu reported a population of 2,668 Nilgiri tahrs, signaling some success in the conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Scientific and Common Names:

• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius

• Common Names: Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Ibex, or simply Ibex

• Local Name: Varayaadu in local parlance.

Physical Features:

• The Nilgiri Tahr is a stocky mountain goat with short, coarse fur and a distinctive bristly mane.

• Males are typically larger than females and tend to have a darker color as they mature.

• Both males and females have curved horns, but the horns of the males are significantly larger.

• Mature males have distinct facial markings, which set them apart.

Habitat and Distribution:

• The Nilgiri Tahr is found in a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats, which spans parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• These animals are typically found in montane grasslands at elevations ranging from 1,200 m to 2,600 m. These areas are often interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally called 'sholas'.

• One of the largest populations of Nilgiri Tahr is found in the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, which boasts the highest density of this species.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered, which highlights the species' vulnerability due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climatic changes.

• Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: It is listed under Schedule I, offering it the highest level of legal protection in India.