Nilgiri Tahr: Endangerd And Conservation Status and Threats

The Nilgiri Tahr is a magnificent one grade of mountain goat, appears on the list of endangered species from South India. Such herbivores considered to possess a distinctive feature of their anatomical structure and being able to withstand tough living conditions in the Western Ghats are threatened with extinction due to many factors. To find solutions on the current populations’ we will look at information on why the Nilgiri Tahr is considered endangered, its IUCN status, habitat, and threats it faces.

How Many Nilgiri Tahr Are Left in India?

From the latest survey, Nilgiri Tahr has been estimated that it survives around 3,000 in India. As few of them occur, it becomes very important that they should be preserved. Despite some level of population conservation which has put into practice, there is still risk facing this population in terms of habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental changes.

Why is Nilgiri Tahr an Endangered Animal?

1. Habitat Loss: One of the primary causes of the decline in the Nilgiri Tahr population is the loss of its natural habitat. The lush grasslands and shola forests in the Western Ghats, where these animals thrive, are increasingly being encroached upon for agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.
2. Poaching: Although poaching has been reduced in recent years due to stringent laws and increased awareness, it remains a threat. Nilgiri Tahr are hunted for their meat and skin, which have market value.
3. Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns and erratic rainfall have also disrupted their habitat. The shrinking of grasslands due to rising temperatures has led to food scarcity for these herbivores.
4. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations expand, Nilgiri Tahr face greater threats from human-wildlife conflicts, especially in areas where their habitats overlap with agricultural lands.

Nilgiri Tahr Scientific Name

Scientifically Nilgiri Tahr is known as Nilgiritragus hylocrius. In the past it was classified in the Hemitragus along with the Himalayan Tahr but because of noted behavioral, habitats and genetic differences it now forms a separate genus.

IUCN Status

The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Numerous characteristics, such as its restricted geographic distribution, diminishing population, and extreme habitat fragmentation, contribute to its classification. The IUCN assessment emphasizes that the species may be at greater risk of extinction in the future if the existing risks are not lessened.

Nilgiri Tahr Found in Which National Park?

1. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala): This is one of the most important strongholds for the Nilgiri Tahr, with a significant portion of the population residing here. Eravikulam National Park is known for its lush grasslands and is the most prominent conservation site for this species.
2. Mukkurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu): This park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and provides a crucial habitat for the tahr. The rugged terrain and high-altitude grasslands make it ideal for their survival.
3. Silent Valley National Park (Kerala): Although less populous, this park is also home to some Nilgiri Tahr populations.
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala): Known primarily for its tigers, the reserve also hosts Nilgiri Tahr in its higher altitudes.
5. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu): Situated in the southern Western Ghats, this reserve is also a crucial habitat for the Nilgiri Tahr.

Where is Nilgiri Tahr found in India?

The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, specifically within the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These animals are highly adapted to the montane grasslands and shola forests that are characteristic of the higher elevations in these regions. Nilgiri Hills: As the name suggests, these hills are a primary habitat for the species.

1. Anamalai Hills: These hills are home to a smaller population of Nilgiri Tahr, situated in the southern portion of the Western Ghats.
2. Munnar Hills: Particularly in the Eravikulam National Park, the Nilgiri Tahr can be found in the grasslands surrounding the town of Munnar in Kerala.
3. Agasthyamalai Hills: Another significant range in the Western Ghats, home to smaller but important populations of the species.

Threats Facing

1. Habitat Fragmentation: Large-scale development projects like road construction, hydroelectric dams, and tourism activities are causing fragmentation of their habitat, isolating populations,, and reducing genetic diversity.
2. Deforestation: The clearance of forests for agricultural expansion, particularly in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, has destroyed large areas of their habitat, leading to population decline.
3. Livestock Grazing: Local communities often let their livestock graze in the same areas where Nilgiri Tahr lives. This overgrazing leads to food scarcity, as livestock compete with tahr for grass and other vegetation.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are leading to the shrinkage of the montane grasslands that Nilgiri Tahr depends on. This could cause altitudinal shifts, where the animals move to higher, less habitable elevations in search of food and cooler climates.
5. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations encroach further into natural habitats, conflict between humans and Nilgiri Tahr becomes more common. These conflicts often result in poaching and retaliation killings by locals who see them as competitors for grazing lands.
6. Tourism Pressure: Ecotourism, though beneficial for conservation awareness, sometimes leads to habitat degradation due to the influx of tourists. Trampling of vegetation, waste disposal, and noise pollution disrupts the natural behavior of Nilgiri Tahr, particularly in sensitive areas like Eravikulam National Park.

Conservation Efforts for Nilgiri Tahr

1. Protected Areas: Establishing protected areas like Eravikulam National Park and Mukkurthi National Park has provided a safe habitat for Nilgiri Tahr to thrive. These parks are crucial for maintaining the tahr population in the face of human encroachment.
2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Stringent laws against poaching, combined with community awareness programs, have helped reduce the illegal hunting of Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Reforestation Programs: Efforts to restore native grasslands and remove invasive plant species have positively impacted their habitat. Reforestation programs focusing on the re-establishment of shola forests are also crucial for maintaining the ecological balance required by Nilgiri Tahr.
4. Research and Monitoring: Conservationists regularly monitor Nilgiri Tahr populations to track changes in their numbers and distribution. This data is crucial for formulating effective management strategies.

Currently, the Nilgiri Tahr is estimated to have a population of 3000 and hence there is need to keen up the efforts towards conservation at this level. Particularly for an endangered species it is vulnerable to threats such as habitat destruction, hunting, competition from aliens species and climatic change. But there is some optimism, as through protected areas, leagues against poaching, and habitat rebuilding, the Nilgiri Tahr numbers might stabilize and even begin to grow.

Thus, only close cooperation of governmental institutions, non-governmental ecological organizations, and inhabitants of the area are the key to the preservation of this rare species.

Also, know more about Endangered Animal Species in India