Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr Latest News

The second annual synchronised estimation of Nilgiri tahr in Tamil Nadu and Kerala that began recently will cover 36 new blocks in addition to the 140 blocks surveyed last year.

About Nilgiri Tahr

• The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius, former name is Hemitragus hylocrius) is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats. 
• It is also known by the name Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex. Locally the animal is called ‘Varayaadu’.
• It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India.
• It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.

Nilgiri Tahr Habitat and Distribution

• The species is found in a roughly 400 km stretch in the Western Ghats, which falls in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 
• These tahrs inhabit the open montane grassland habitat of the southwestern ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. 
• At elevations ranging from 1200 to 2600 m, the jungle opens into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, known as ‘sholas.’
• The Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. 

Nilgiri Tahr Features

• The Nilgiri Tahrs are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. 
• The males are found to be larger than the females, and have a darker color when mature. 
• Both sexes have curved horns, which are larger in the males.
• Adult males develop a light grey area or ’saddle’ on their backs and are hence called ‘saddlebacks’. 
• The Nilgiri Tahr has a short grey-brown or dark coat. 
• There are facial markings, particularly distinct in mature males.
• Females and immature males are an overall yellowish-brown to grey, with the underparts being paler.

Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered 
• Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I 

Nilgiri Tahr FAQs

Q1. What is the IUCN status of Nilgiri tahr?

Ans. Endangered 

Q2. Where is Nilgiri Tahr endemic to?

Ans. The Nilgiri Tahr (also known as Nilgiri Ibex) is found primarily in the Western Ghats of southern India.

Q3. The Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of which Indian state?

Ans. Tamil Nadu

Source: TH