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Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri tahr population has increased to 1364 in 2026, according to the findings of the third synchronised Nilgiri tahr survey. This marks a rise of over 32% from 2024, when 1031 individuals were recorded.
| UPSC Relevance: GS-3 Environment and Biodiversity: Conservation, Species in News Prelims: Nilgiri Tahr |
About Nilgiri Tahr:
- The Nilgiri tahr is a mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats, mainly found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is Tamil Nadu’s State Animal and is locally known as Varai Aadu.
- Habitat: High-altitude montane grasslands, rocky cliffs and shola-grassland mosaics.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN status: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Indicator of high-altitude grassland ecosystem health.
The total population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in the Western Ghats is estimated to be around 2,668 individuals. The Eravikulam National Park in the Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Project Nilgiri Tahr was launched by Tamil Nadu in 2022 to protect, restore and expand Nilgiri tahr habitats and improve scientific understanding of the species.
Major Threats to Nilgiri Tahr:
Despite the population increase, the species remains highly vulnerable.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Nilgiri tahr habitats are scattered across isolated high-altitude grasslands. Fragmented populations face genetic isolation and local extinction risks.
- Forest Fires: Large-scale fires in parts of the Tahr habitat affected the population growth in 2026. Grassland fires can reduce forage availability and disturb breeding habitats.
- Invasive Species: Invasive plants such as wattle and eucalyptus can alter native grasslands and reduce suitable habitat.
- Climate Change: High-altitude species are especially vulnerable to warming because they have limited scope to move further upward.
- Infrastructure and unregulated tourism can disturb tahr habitats. Plantation activities affect the Nilgiri Tahr habitat, which includes grasslands and sholas.
The 2026 survey marked a technological improvement with the use of the Android-based mobile application VARUDAI. It enabled real-time transmission of field observations, improved GPS-based tracking of sightings and evidence-based conservation planning.
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