Context:
Tamil Nadu and Kerala will join hands to count endangered Nilgiri tahr, as the animal is only found in select habitats in the two States.
About Nilgiri tahr:
- It is the only mountain ungulate (animal with hooves) in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India.
- It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- Habitat –
- Endemic to the Western ghats with current distribution between Nilgiris in the north and Kanyakumari hills in the south of the region.
- Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr.
- Mukurthi national park created to protect the keystone species.
- Locally known as Varaiaadu.
- Characteristics –
- It is one of the few species of mountain Caprinae, and the only Tahr, which is adapted to a cold and wet tropical environment.
- Diurnal, but are most active grazing in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Threat: Habitat loss and hunting.
- Conservation Status – IUCN Status: Endangered; Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Project Nilgiri Tahr:
- Proposed by – Government of Tamil Nadu
- Implementation for 5-year period from 2022 to 2027.
- Objectives –
- Develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through surveys and radio telemetry studies
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat
- Address proximate threats and increase public awareness of the species
- Funding – Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
Click here to read about other species in news
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:
1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
3. They are omnivorous.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
