🐐 NILGIRI TAHR: Counting the Shadows of the Mountains

Theme & Tags:
🌿 Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Wildlife Conservation, Western Ghats
📘 Category: Environment | GS Paper 3

🌫️ Opening Whisper

When the mist lifts and a hoof marks stone, the mountain remembers its oldest song.

🌄 Key Highlights

• About the Nilgiri Tahr
  • Endemic to southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu & Kerala)
  • Nicknamed “Saddlebacks” for light-grey patch on males
  • Culturally revered – State Animal of Tamil Nadu
  • Featured in ancient Tamil literature
• Upcoming Joint Census (April 24–27, 2025)
  • Covers 265 blocks:
    • 89 in Kerala
    • 176 in Tamil Nadu
  • Methods:
    • Camera traps
    • Pellet sampling for genetic analysis
    • Bounded count for population estimation
  • Commemorates 50 years of Eravikulam National Park
• Habitat & Behaviour
  • Prefers montane grasslands, Shola forests, rocky cliffs
  • Diurnal and highly stress-tolerant
  • Largest population: Eravikulam National Park (Kerala)
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Schedule-I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, climate pressure
  • 2015 WWF Report: ~3,122 individuals
  • Drastic reduction from historical range across Western Ghats
• Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022–2027)
  • Tamil Nadu Government initiative
  • Budget: ₹25.14 crore
  • Objectives:
    • Population surveys & radio telemetry
    • Reintroduction in lost habitats
    • Study & mitigate immediate threats
    • Public awareness and eco-tourism models

📚 GS Mains Mapping

• GS Paper 3
  • Biodiversity & Environment
  • Wildlife Protection Laws
  • Conservation Projects (Project Elephant, Tiger, Tahr)
  • Role of State Governments & Citizen Science
  • Endemic Species & Ecosystem Preservation

🌱 A Thought Spark — by IAS Monk

Not all monuments are built of stone. Some are flesh, fur, and silence—and we must count them not just with numbers, but with reverence.

🧗 Closing Whisper

In the quiet breath of mountains, let us not forget who walked here first.