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.
- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
