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Project Nilgiri Tahr

Posted on December 30, 2022 by admin1  4718

In News

  • The Tamil Nadu government recently launched an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr.

Background

  • There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr 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. 
  • It was designated as the State animal of Tamil Nadu in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance. 

About the project

  • Features:
    • 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.
    • Increase public awareness of the species.
  • Cost:
    • The project will cost Rs.25.14 crore.
  • Implementation:
    • The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
  • Niligiri Tahr Day:
    • October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar.
      • He was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies on Nilgiri Tahr in 1975.

Challenges in the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahrs

  • Potential local extinction due to highly fragmented populations.
  • Invasion of exotic species into the habitat.
  • Forest fires.
  • Over-exploitation of forest resources.
  • Lack of ecological data and understanding. 

Nilgiri Tahr

  • Local Name: 
    • The species is locally known as Varaiaadu.
  • IUCN Status: 
    • It has been listed as an endangered species and is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
  • Habitat and Distribution:
    • The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metres above sea level. 
    • Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was known to inhabit a large portion of the Western Ghats. 
      • But today it remains restricted to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.  
      • It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
  • Estimates:
    • It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild.

Source: TH

 
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