Nilgiri Tahr Census

April 10, 2025

The Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate, is native to the Western Ghats in southern India. This species, also known as the Nilgiri Ibex, holds cultural significance as the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Its presence is documented in ancient Tamil literature. The animal is distinguished by a light grey patch on its back, earning adult males the nickname “Saddlebacks.” A collaborative census of the Nilgiri Tahr is scheduled from April 24 to 27, involving both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Census Initiatives

The upcoming census will cover 89 blocks in Kerala and 176 blocks in Tamil Nadu. The initiative commemorates the 50th anniversary of Eravikulam National Park. Forest officials and trained volunteers will conduct the survey, employing camera traps and pellet sampling for genetic studies. The data will be analysed using the ‘bounded count’ method to estimate population density.

Habitat and Distribution

The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It inhabits tropical montane grasslands, Shola forests, and rocky high-altitude areas. The largest population resides in Eravikulam National Park, Kerala. This region provides the ideal cold and wet environment for the species. The Nilgiri Tahr is diurnal, displaying high stress tolerance and adaptability to its mountainous habitat.

Conservation Status

The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. It is listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, ensuring it receives the highest level of protection. The population has declined due to habitat loss and hunting. A 2015 WWF report estimated the wild population at approximately 3,122 individuals, a stark contrast to its historical range across the Western Ghats.

Project Nilgiri Tahr

Initiated by the Tamil Nadu Government in December 2022, Project Nilgiri Tahr aims to conserve this species over five years, with a budget of ₹25.14 crore. The project’s objectives include conducting population surveys, radio telemetry studies, and reintroducing the Tahr to its historical habitats. Immediate threats to the species will also be addressed.

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