Project Nilgiri Tahr

Government of Tamil Nadu has launched its ambitious flagship project “The Nilgiri Tahr” on October 12, 2023.

Tamilnadu State Animal: Nilgiri Tahr/Varai Aadu

IUCN Status: Endangered

Habitat: Endemic to Western Ghats

Nilgiri Tahr Day : October 7

Uniqueness: gravity defying skills in climbing steep cliff

These mountain goats are aptly called “Mountain Monarch”

References of Nilgiri Tahr in Sangam Literature :

Silappatikaram and Sivakasindamani contains the descriptions of the Nilgiri Tahr and its habitat.

Natrinai, Aingurunooru, Paripadal, Pathitruppathuu and Patinapalai

The play, Courtallar Kuravanji, written by Trikoodarasappak Kavirayar in 1600-1700 A.D. describes Nilgiri Tahr in a song “Kurathi malai valam kooral” is one of animal that indicates the biodiversity richness of the region

Project office: Coimbatore

Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr, with more than 700 individuals.

Objectives of the Project:

iDeveloping a better understanding of Nilgiri Tahr population, distribution and ecology

iiRe-introduction of Nilgiri Tahr to their historic habitats

iiiAddressing proximate threat to Nilgiri Tahr

ivIncreasing awareness among public about the "Nilgiri Tahr" species

vOctober 7th will be celebrated as the Nilgiri Tahr Day in honour of Dr.E.R.C.Davidar whose Birthday falls on this day. Dr. Davidar pioneered one of the first studies on Nilgiri Tahr in 1975.

viDeveloping "Nilgiri Tahr" based eco-tourism activities at selected sites

Activities under the project:

a) Bi-annual Synchronized surveys across the divisions

b) Tranquilization, collaring and monitoring of Tahr Individuals

c) Re-introduction and monitoring of Nilgiri Tahr

d) Diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals

e) Field gear and training support to staff

f) Shola Grassland restoration pilot in Upper Bhavani.

g) Implementation of eco-tourism programmes

h) Communication and outreach.