Latest news with #Nilgiritahrs
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Traditional Nilgiri tahr habitats in Coimbatore Forest Division show signs of population revival
The traditional habitats of the enigmatic Nilgiri tahr in the Coimbatore Forest Division have shown signs of potential revival of their population as per the observations in the recently concluded synchronised census of the State animal. Five Nilgiri tahrs were sighted by enumerators at Periyattumalai in Madukkarai forest range limits during the estimation, after a gap of over a decade. Pellets of Nilgiri tahr were found in other traditional habitats, namely Kunjiramudi in Boluvampatti forest range and Kurudi Malai that is spread across Boluvampatti and Coimbatore ranges. For the study 'Status and Distribution of the Nilgiri Tahr in the Western Ghats' published in 2015, the WWF-India surveyed Chinnattumalai, Kunjiramudi, Vellingiri hills and Kurudi Malai in Coimbatore division. Tahr presence was observed in Chinnattumalai (two animals sighted) and Kunjra Mudi (pellets). 'The survey was conducted in 2010 and two individuals were sighted at Chinnattumalai. Though we went to the location a few more times, no direct sighting could be made as they moved to the Kerala side,' said Paul Peter Predit from WWF-India, who was part of the study. Chinnattumalai and Periyattumalai are contiguous forests and tahrs are believed to be moving between the two habitats, besides foraging in the Kerala side. 'The recent sighting at Periyattumalai is promising as tahr presence has been reconfirmed after the gap of over a decade. Frequent monitoring and use of technologies like drones will help in generating more details of their habitat and population trend,' added Mr. Predit. The tahr population in Coimbatore division is largely regarded as Siruvani hills population, which have more genetic similarities with the population that is found in the north of the Palakkad gap of the Western Ghats. M.G. Ganesan, Project Director of the government's Project Nilgiri Tahr, said that this year's survey was expected to generate more insights about the State animal as 'threats assessment' had been added as a new section. 'It will give us more inputs to understand the habitat landscapes of tahrs,' he said.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Second synchronised estimation of Nilgiri tahr to cover 36 new blocks
The second annual synchronised estimation of Nilgiri tahr in Tamil Nadu and Kerala that begins on Thursday, April 24, will cover 36 new blocks in addition to the 140 blocks surveyed last year. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is considering the second consecutive survey a significant exercise as it will generate vital data on the population trend of the State animal. The annual survey, which is one of the key components of the Project Nilgiri Tahr launched by Tamil Nadu in October 2023, will cover a total of 176 blocks in 14 forest divisions that are home to the mountain ungulate, in four days. According to Supriya Sahu, Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, this year's survey has expanded coverage, and the 36 new blocks include Kodaikanal division. The survey spans 2,000 km of terrain, covering an estimated 233 sq. km reaching Ashambu Mottai in Kanniyakumari and Thavalamalai in the northernmost area in the Nilgiris. 'This massive effort not only strengthens the conservation blueprint for the Nilgiri Tahr but also sets a national benchmark for wildlife conservation with modern science,' she posted on 'X' on Wednesday, after taking part in an orientation session held for Department staff in Coimbatore. The first survey held last year generated the baseline data on the endangered species, with an estimated population of 1,031 individuals in Tamil Nadu and 827 in Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. As the census is being done in the post-calving season, enumerators will be able to spot adult Nilgiri tahrs with the young ones. The enumerators will follow the bounded count method in fragmented areas and the double observer method in large continuous landscapes. They will also collect faecal samples of carnivores to assess parasitic loads in tahrs.
