NILGIRI TAHR

The Nilgiri tahr is the sole species of mountain-dwelling ungulate native to southern India, out of the twelve such species found nationwide. It holds the distinction of being Tamil Nadu’s state animal.

Historically, the Nilgiri tahr inhabited the entire stretch of the Western Ghats. However, its range has now diminished drastically, and it survives only in a few isolated patches. Much of its original population has vanished, primarily due to extensive habitat destruction and hunting pressures.

This species, which is unique to the Western Ghats, is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and receives the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

According to a 2015 report by WWF India, the wild population of Nilgiri tahrs is estimated to be around 3,122 individuals

3. Distrinution and habitat of Nilgiri tahr

• The Nilgiri tahr is a sure-footed ungulate that inhabits the open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 m of the South Western Ghats. Currently, the Nilgiri tahr distribution is along a narrow stretch of 400 km in the Western Ghats between Nilgiris in the north and Kanyakumari hills in the south of the region.
• Though there are smaller populations found in the Palani hills, Srivilliputtur, and the Meghamalai and Agasthiyar ranges, only two well-protected, large populations are documented -- one from the Nilgiris and the other from the Anamalais, including the high ranges of Kerala.
• The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr, with more than 700 individuals

4. Threats for Nilgiri tahr

• The Nilgiri tahr faces several threats to its survival, primarily due to widespread deforestation, which leads to significant loss of natural habitat. Its living space is further reduced by grazing competition from domestic livestock, the development of hydroelectric projects within its native range, and the spread of monoculture plantations.
• Additionally, although rare, the species is sometimes hunted for its meat and skin.
• The severe fragmentation of its habitat has caused a sharp decline in population in recent years. Activities such as plantation expansion continue to disturb the tahr’s natural environment, especially the grasslands and shola forests that are essential for its survival

5. Mukurthi National Park 

• Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and forms a part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• The park lies in the western part of the Nilgiris Plateau and is particularly significant for its unique ecosystem comprising montane grasslands interspersed with shola forests. These high-altitude tropical forests are known for their rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
• Covering an area of around 78 square kilometers, Mukurthi National Park was originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats. Over the years, it has become a vital sanctuary not only for the Nilgiri tahr but also for many other endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
• The landscape of the park is marked by rolling grasslands, rugged peaks, and deep valleys. It receives heavy rainfall and has a cool, misty climate for most of the year, contributing to its lush vegetation.
• The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including species such as the Indian leopard, jungle cat, jackal, sambar deer, and a diverse range of birds, reptiles, and butterflies.
• Mukurthi is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional biological diversity. The park also plays a crucial role in preserving water sources, as many rivers and streams originate in this region.
• Owing to its fragile ecosystem and conservation priorities, tourism in Mukurthi is tightly regulated, with limited access to ensure minimal human interference.
• Overall, Mukurthi National Park stands as a symbol of conservation efforts in the Nilgiris, especially for the protection of the Nilgiri tahr and the preservation of the unique shola-grassland ecosystem that is increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation and climate change

Source: The Hindu