Nilgiri Tahr

About Nilgiri Tahr:

• It is a mountain ungulate endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats.
• It is also known by the name Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex. Locally the animal is called ‘Varayaadu’.
• It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India.
• Habitat and Distribution of Nilgiri Tahr
  • It is found in a roughly 400 km stretch in the Western Ghats, which falls in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 
  • These tahrs inhabit the open montane grassland habitatof the southwestern ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. 
  • At elevations ranging from 1200 to 2600 m, the jungle opens into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, known as ‘sholas.’
  • The Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. 
• Features:
  • These are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. 
  • The males are found to be larger than the females, and have a darker color when mature. 
  • Both sexes have curved horns, which are larger in the males.
  • There are facial markings, particularly distinct in mature males.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I