Description

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Context

The second annual synchronised estimation of the Nilgiri Tahr began recently in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

36 new blocks added to the 140 surveyed in the previous year.

About Nilgiri Tahr

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Nilgiritragus hylocrius (formerly Hemitragus hylocrius)
Common Names	Nilgiri Ibex, Ibex, Varayaadu (locally)
Family	Bovidae
Order	Artiodactyla
Endemic Region	Southern part of the Western Ghats
Unique Status	Only mountain ungulate of southern India
State Animal	Tamil Nadu

Habitat and Distribution

Occurs in a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Preferred Habitat

Aspect	Details
Biome	Montane Grasslands of South Western Ghats montane rain forests
Altitude	Between 1200–2600 m above sea level
Landscape	Open grasslands with stunted forest patches (called ‘sholas’)
Key Protected Area	Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) – Highest density and population of Nilgiri Tahr

Biological Features

Feature	Description
Body Type	Stocky mountain goat
Fur	Short, coarse with a bristly mane
Sexual Dimorphism	Males larger, darker
Horns	Present in both sexes; larger and more curved in males
Unique Trait	Adult males develop a grey saddle patch → called “Saddlebacks”

Conservation Status

Authority	Status
IUCN Red List	Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	Schedule I – Maximum protection

Conservation Measures & Threats

Threats

Habitat Fragmentation

Livestock Grazing

Invasive species e.g., Wattle plantations

Climate Change

Poaching

Government and NGO Initiatives

Nilgiri Tahr Project by Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Habitat restoration in grassland-shola ecosystems

Community participation and Eco-tourism models

Population Monitoring via synchronised estimation drives

Importance of Nilgiri Tahr

Importance	Explanation
Ecological	Keystone herbivore in montane grassland ecosystem
Conservation	Indicator species for Western Ghats biodiversity health
Cultural	Revered in local traditions; state symbol of Tamil Nadu
Tourism	Major attraction in Eravikulam NP, supporting eco-tourism revenues

Sources: HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the ecological significance and conservation challenges of the Nilgiri Tahr in the context of habitat protection in the Western Ghats. 250 Words.