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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Census to be conducted under Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

 Why in the News?

After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).

  • The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.

Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (2022 to 2027):

  • Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to 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.
  • October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
  • Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:
  • Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
  • The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.

 

About Nilgiri Tahr

    • It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
    • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
    • The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
    • At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
    • It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
  • Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
  • October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.

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