About
Clinging to the cliffs of the Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal of Tamil Nadu, embodies resilience. This stocky mountain goat, with its coarse fur and impressive horns, grazes across grasslands at dizzying heights. Though related to sheep, it’s uniquely adapted to its cold, wet habitat.
This mountain goat embodies resilience and adaptation, clinging to life on rocky cliffs and slopes. Yet, habitat loss and hunting threaten its existence. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these sure-footed survivors, ensuring their majestic presence continues to grace the Indian mountains.
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Subfamily: Caprinae
Tribe: Caprini
Genus: Nilgiritragus (monotypic)
Species: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
Etymology
Scientific Name:
Genus:
- Nilgiritragus: This part draws from two sources:
- Nilgiri: This comes from the Tamil words “Neelam” (meaning “blue”) and “Giri” (meaning “mountain”). This references the animal’s primary habitat, the Nilgiri Hills, known for their bluish appearance due to the Kurinji flowers that bloom there.
- Tragus: This word derives from the Greek word “trágos”, meaning “goat.”
Species:
- Hylocrius translates to “forest-living” in Greek, highlighting the tahr’s preference for wooded mountain environments.
Common Names:
Nilgiri Tahr: This straightforward name directly references the Nilgiri Hills and identifies the animal as a type of tahr.
Nilgiri Ibex: Though technically inaccurate (ibexes are a different genus), this name emphasizes the animal’s agility and cliff-dwelling habits.
Varayaadu (Tamil): This local name means “cliff goat,” again highlighting the tahr’s rocky habitat.
Appearance
Nilgiri tahrs are stocky mountain goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. They are well-adapted to their rugged, mountainous habitat. They have cloven hooves that are well-adapted for climbing on rocks and steep slopes. Their ears are small and rounded, their noses are black and slightly upturned and their tails are short and bushy.
Here is a description of the appearance of the Nilgiri Tahr:
Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger than females and have darker fur when mature. They also have impressive, curved horns that can reach up to 40 cm (16 in) in length. Females have shorter, more slender horns that are around 30 cm (12 in) long.
Saddleback: Adult males develop a light grey area on their backs, which is why they are sometimes called “saddlebacks”. This patch of fur is thought to help them regulate their body temperature and attract mates.
Coat color: The coat color of Nilgiri tahrs varies depending on age, sex, and season. However, they are typically grey-brown or dark brown with lighter markings on their undersides and legs.
Habitat and distribution
Habitat:
- The Nilgiri Tahr is a specialist in high-altitude grasslands nestled within the South Western Ghats montane rainforests ecoregion of India.
- They thrive in open areas with rocky cliffs and stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
- Their ideal elevation range lies between 1,200 to 2,600 meters where they find their preferred mix of grazing land and shelter.
Distribution:
- Historically, Nilgiri Tahrs were found across a much larger area encompassing the entire stretch of the Western Ghats.
- Unfortunately, hunting and habitat loss have drastically reduced their range to a narrow 400 km stretch between the Nilgiris in the north and Kanyakumari hills in the south.
- Currently, the largest populations reside in protected areas like:
- Eravikulam National Park (Kerala)
- Grass Hills of Anamalai (Tamil Nadu)
- Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
Reproduction
During the monsoon season, the Nilgiri Tahr’s rocky world echoes with the subtle dance of courtship. Males compete through sparring and horn clashes, vying for the attention of females. After successful mating, a single young one is called a kid, Females carry their single offspring (kid) for around 178-190 days.
The first few weeks are crucial, with mothers hiding their offspring in safe spots while venturing out to graze. Around two months old, the curious kid joins its mother, exploring the world under the watchful gaze of the herd. Weaning occurs gradually between 4-6 months, and young tahrs reach sexual maturity around 3 years old, continuing the cycle of life on the precarious slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.
Males tend to live longer than females, with an average lifespan of 9 years compared to females’ 3-3.5 years.
Conservation
According to the IUCN, the Nilgiri Tahr is an “Endangered” species. Despite their vital role in the ecosystem, their population faces a concerning downward trend due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease outbreaks.
Habitat fragmentation isolates populations, limiting breeding and making them more vulnerable. While poaching has declined, it still poses a threat, particularly to isolated groups.
Climate change introduces further complexities, potentially altering food availability and introducing new diseases. Conservation efforts like protected areas, community engagement, and anti-poaching patrols offer hope but require consistent funding and effective implementation.
IUCN Recommendations:
- Increase funding for conservation and anti-poaching activities
- Improve habitat management within protected areas and connect fragmented populations
- Develop and implement conservation plans with the involvement of local communities
- Increase public awareness about the threats the Nilgiri Tahr faces
- Monitor the effectiveness of conservation actions and adapt strategies as needed
Outlook:
The future of the Nilgiri Tahr depends on the success of ongoing conservation efforts. While the IUCN acknowledges some positive progress, continued threats and limited resources pose significant challenges. Continued support for conservation activities is crucial to ensure the survival of this unique and threatened species.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful:
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/threatened_species/nilgiri_tahr/
- Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project Tamil Nadu: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/tamil-nadu-kerala-to-join-hands-to-count-endangered-nilgiri-tahr/article67338667.ece
Threats to Nilgiri Tahr
- Logging, clearing land for agriculture and settlements, and infrastructure development like roads and dams destroy essential grasslands and shola forests.
- Poaching for meat, horns, and skin continues to impact isolated populations.
- Domestic livestock can transmit diseases like foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, which can be fatal for wild tahrs.
- Habitat fragmentation isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity and hindering dispersal, making them more vulnerable to other threats. etc.
👉Read Also: Exploring India’s Top 10 Endangered Animals
Project Nilgiri Tahr
The majestic Nilgiri Tahr lives high in the misty peaks of the Nilgiri Hills, a symbol of resilience and a crucial indicator of ecological health. Unfortunately, this endangered mountain goat faces a fight for survival due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats.
Enter “Project Nilgiri Tahr,” an ambitious initiative launched by the Tamil Nadu government in October 2023 to ensure the future of this iconic species. Project Nilgiri Tahr boasts a budget of ₹25 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to this cause. Collaborations with various institutions, conservationists, and local communities strengthen the project’s reach and impact.
Early signs are promising, with increased awareness and initial successes in habitat restoration and reintroduction efforts.
Objectives:
- Understanding & Monitoring: Through bi-annual population surveys, collaring individuals, and habitat assessments, the project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the tahr’s numbers, distribution, and ecological needs.
- Reintroducing & Protecting: Historic habitats lost to human activity are being restored, paving the way for the reintroduction of tahrs to suitable areas, creating healthier populations, and expanding their range.
- Addressing Threats: Tackling poaching through patrolling and awareness campaigns, as well as mitigating conflicts with livestock by providing alternative grazing areas, are crucial parts of the strategy.
- Engaging & Educating: The project emphasizes public awareness, educating communities about the importance of the tahr and engaging them in conservation efforts. This includes distributing educational materials and even celebrating “Nilgiri Tahr Day” to spark interest and action.
- Sustainable Tourism: Eco-tourism activities are explored in select sites, generating revenue for conservation while encouraging responsible tourism practices.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful: ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr’ launched in Tamil Nadu
Nilgiri Tahr Day
Marking a day of celebration and remembrance, October 7th was designated as “Nilgiri Tahr Day” to honor Dr. E.R.C. Davidar, whose significant birthday falls on the same date. This visionary conservationist pioneered one of the first studies on the Nilgiri Tahr in 1975, laying the groundwork for understanding and protecting this magnificent species.
Future Outlook
The future of the Nilgiri Tahr hangs precariously in the balance. Although conservation efforts like Project Nilgiri Tahr offer a glimmer of hope, sustained funding, effective enforcement, and adaptation to climate change remain critical hurdles. Optimism stems from successful habitat restoration initiatives, increasing public awareness, and community involvement.
However, continued habitat loss, potential resurgence of poaching, and unpredictable climate impacts paint a worrying picture. Ultimately, the Nilgiri Tahr’s fate rests on our collective responsibility. By supporting conservation efforts, making informed choices, and advocating for stronger protection, we can ensure these majestic creatures continue to grace the Nilgiri Hills for generations to come.
Remember, every action, however small, holds the power to tip the scales toward a brighter future for the Nilgiri Tahr.
