Nilgiri Tahr:
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has commenced the third synchronised survey of the Nilgiri Tahr
- The Nilgiri Tahr 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.
- It inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the southwestern ghats montane rain forests ecoregion.
- It is found in the Western Ghats and in states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I.
- Habitat loss due to rampant deforestation, competition with domestic livestock, hydroelectric projects in Nilgiri tahr habitat, and monoculture plantations.
