Context:
New Nilgiri Tahr habitat spotted in Pasumalai.
Tamil Nadu celebrates Nilgiri Tahr Day on October 7.
Nilgiri Tahr:
- Also known as – Nilgiri Ibex (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)
- Conservation Status – Endangered (IUCN)
- Legal Protection – Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- The only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India.
- State Animal of Tamil Nadu
- Habitat – Open montane grasslands of the rainforest’s ecoregion
- Distribution – Endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Distinctive Feature – Adult males develop a light grey area or “saddle” on their backs, hence called “Saddlebacks”
- Threats – Habitat loss due to domestic livestock and invasive plants, Poaching and Climate change
- Conservation – Every year Tamil Nadu celebrate Nilgiri Tahr Day on October 7
Mukurthi National Park:
- Location – Northwest corner of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats
- Established with the prime motive of conserving the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas
- Part of – Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, along with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Silent Valley
Source: The New Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?
1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Option 2 is not correct:
Papikonda National Park is located in Godawari Basin.
