Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu will jointly carry out a Nilgiri Tahr census from April 24 to 27. The survey will span 89 census blocks in Kerala and 176 blocks in Tamil Nadu over the four-day period.

Meaning of the context: Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Sase announced the initiative, stating that the synchronised survey of the mountain ungulate is being conducted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Eravikulam National Park.

Learn More:

• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius.
• Common Name: Nilgiri Tahr (locally called Varayadu in Tamil/Malayalam).
• Taxonomy: Belongs to the Bovidae family (related to goats and antelopes), it is the only mountain ungulate species in southern India.
• Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and population decline.
• Habitat: Found exclusively in the Western Ghats, primarily in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, at elevations between 1,200 and 2,600 meters.
• Key Locations:
  • Tamil Nadu: Mukurthi National Park, and Anamalai Hills.
  • Kerala: Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
• Population: Estimated at around 3,000 individuals (as of recent surveys), with Eravikulam hosting the largest population (~700-800).
• Geographical Significance: Thrives in montane grasslands and shola forests, a unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats.

Physical and Behavioral Characteristics

• Appearance: Males are larger, with curved horns, darker coats (greyish-brown), and a distinctive saddle-like patch after maturity. Females are smaller, with lighter coats and shorter horns.
• Adaptations: Agile climbers suited to steep, rocky terrains; grazes on grasses and herbs in montane ecosystems.
• Behavior: Lives in small herds (10-20 individuals), with males often solitary except during mating season (monsoon, June-August).

Ecological Importance

• Role in Ecosystem: As a herbivore, it maintains grassland ecosystems by grazing, preventing shrub overgrowth and supporting shola forest dynamics.
• Indicator Species: Its presence reflects the health of high-altitude ecosystems in the Western Ghats, sensitive to climate change and habitat disturbance.

Conservation Efforts

• Project Nilgiri Tahr (2023): Launched by the Tamil Nadu government to protect the species, declared the State Animal of Tamil Nadu. Aims to map habitats, boost populations, and raise awareness.
• Operation Tahr: Efforts to relocate small populations to new habitats (e.g., Mukurthi) to reduce overcrowding risks.
• International Frameworks: Covered under CITES Appendix I, restricting trade in its parts.

Source : The Hindu