April 27, 2024
Introduction:
The Tamil Nadu government is conducting a three-day synchronised survey of the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), the State animal. The survey aims to estimate the population of the endangered species, which once roamed the Anamalai and Nilgiris landscape. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) representative will be an observer in the exercise.
Collaboration and Methodology
- The survey is being conducted in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the IUCN.
- The habitats in Tamil Nadu have been divided into 13 forest divisions, 100 forest beats, and 140 feasible blocks, with more emphasis on areas along the Kerala border.
- The bounded-count method will be used in all areas, while the double observer method will be additionally employed in large contiguous landscapes with major populations, such as Grass Hills National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and Eravikulam National Park.
About Project Nilgiri Tahr
The survey results will serve as baseline data for Project Nilgiri Tahr, which focuses on stabilising the population by addressing threats faced by the mountain ungulates and possibly reintroducing the animal in sites such as the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The project has nine components, including biennial synchronised surveys, reintroduction in historic habitats, disease diagnosis, radio collaring, and ecotourism.
Nilgiri Tahr Facts
- The Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- It is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN and protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The species is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock.
- Nilgiri Tahrs are found in montane grasslands and shola forests at elevations between 1,200 and 2,600 meters.
- They are social animals, living in herds led by adult females, with males forming separate bachelor groups.
Conservation Efforts
In addition to the Nilgiri Tahr survey and project, several other initiatives have been undertaken to protect the species. The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, which holds the largest Nilgiri Tahr population, has implemented strict conservation measures, including controlled tourism and habitat management. The Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu was established in 1982 primarily to protect the Nilgiri Tahr and its habitat. Captive breeding programs have been initiated in some zoos to maintain a viable population and support reintroduction efforts.
The collaboration between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, along with the involvement of leading conservation organizations, highlights the importance of joint efforts in protecting biodiversity in the Western Ghats.