Context:
Tamil Nadu’s third synchronised Nilgiri Tahr population estimation has recorded 1,364 individuals in 2026, showing a 4.68% rise over 2025. The survey was conducted under Project Nilgiri Tahr across 14 forest divisions.
Explanation:
- Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered mountain ungulate found mainly in the Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- It inhabits high-altitude grasslands and rocky cliffs, especially in the Nilgiris, Anamalai and other Western Ghats landscapes.
- It is the State animal of Tamil Nadu and has ecological importance in nutrient cycling in mountain ecosystems.
- It receives the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Its conservation is important because the Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot.
- Major threats include habitat fragmentation, invasive plants, climate change, tourism pressure and human disturbance.
- Project Nilgiri Tahr aims at population monitoring, habitat restoration and long-term conservation.
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