Nilgiri tahr: Climate change threatening 60% of its habitat
According to recent study published international journal Ecological Engineering, climate change is threatening the Nilgiri tahr,. It is estimated that endangered wild goat could lose approximately 60% of its habitat, starting from 2030s. There are only around 2,500 Nilgiri Tahrs left in the wild and their population is small and isolated. It makes them vulnerable to local extinction. The study emphasises need for ecological restoration of Nilgiri tahrs. It also highlights demand for comprehensive species management plan.
Nilgiri tahr
It is state animal of Tamil Nadu. It is endemic to Western Ghats from the Nilgiris to Kanyakumari. It is confined to a narrow belt of higher elevation (altitudes) of Shola Forests in Western Ghats.
Protection Status: IUCN in its red data book has classified it as Endangered (number fewer than 2,500 mature individuals). Besides it is protected species under Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
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Month: Current Affairs - July, 2018