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: It inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the southwestern ghats montane rain forests Eco region.
- Distribution: It is found in a roughly 400 km stretch in the Western Ghats, which falls in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr.
- Features of Nilgiri Tahr:
- 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.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I.
Threats: Habitat loss due to rampant deforestation, competition with domestic livestock, hydroelectric projects in Nilgiri tahr habitat, and monoculture plantations.
