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The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu records 1,303 Nilgiri Tahrs in second synchronised survey
Tamil Nadu has recorded an estimated 1,303 Nilgiri Tahrs in the second annual synchronised population survey conducted in April 2025, done in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department. The survey report was released on Tuesday by Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, alongside Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), and Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden, and Yash Veer Bhatnagar, country representative (India) of International Union for Conservation of Nature, at the Guindy National Park. At the same event, the Kerala Forest Department also released its corresponding report on the Nilgiri Tahr population within its jurisdiction. Kerala's Minister for Forest and Wildlife Protection, A.K. Saseendran, and Pramod G. Krishnan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala, joined the launch virtually. This year's synchronised survey covered 177 blocks in Tamil Nadu — 36 more than in 2024. A total of 3,126 kilometres were covered on foot by 786 dedicated field staff. 'Tamil Nadu's estimated Nilgiri Tahr population has increased to 1,303, up from 1,031 recorded the previous year. This does not imply a population increase but rather a higher rate of observed encounters,' said M.G. Ganesan, Project Director of Project Nilgiri Tahr. Out of the total, 616 individuals — which makes up almost half of the population at 47.3 percent — were found in large, contiguous habitats across 14 blocks. The Grass Hills National Park and Mukurthi National Park are the primary strongholds, with Grass Hills recording 334 Tahrs (up from 276 in 2024) and Mukurthi showing 282 individuals (up from 203 last year). The remaining 687 Tahrs, comprising 53 percent of the population, were found in fragmented habitats spread across 163 blocks, including areas intersected by roads and tea estates. The survey also observed an estimated 155 Nilgiri Tahrs forming a transit population moving towards Kerala's Eravikulam National Park. Notably, this year's survey included a detailed threat assessment for the first time, which is set to provide insight into the conservation challenges faced by the species. Mr. Bhatnagar said that understanding movement ecology was extremely important. 'Ecology is not just about calculating home range sizes for males, females, or juveniles within a population. It involves understanding the actual routes animals take across a landscape — how they use different types of habitats, the seasonal patterns in their movement, and the environmental features that influence their paths. The survey was carried out with the support of IUCN, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Animal Welfare Board of India (AIWC), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
United News of India
5 days ago
- General
- United News of India
TN has 1,303 Nilgiri Tahr
Chennai, Aug 5 (UNI) Tamil Nadu a total population of 1,303 Nilgiri Tahr according to a report released today after the Second Synchronized Survey of Nilgiri Tahr. The Project Nilgiri Tahr is a species specific conservation project to conserve the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The Project Nilgiri Tahr was launched by Chief Minister M K Stalin on October 12, 2023 with an outlay of Rs.25.14 crore. It has nine different components which are focusing on Nilgiri Tahr protection, conservation, management of population, assessing its home range, technological interventions, adoption of different scientific methodologies on par with international standards, involving elite international and national experts in different aspects of projects. One among the activity of Project Nilgiri Tahr is Annual Synchronized Survey of Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Nadu. Since inception of the project, the first synchronized survey was carried out in 140 survey blocks in the year 2024 for three consecutive days with selected regions of Kerala. Currently the second synchronized survey was conducted in 177 survey blocks of 14 Nilgiri Tahr holding forest divisions in Tamil Nadu for four days from April 24 to 27, 2025. The survey was conducted in the month of April, coinciding with the sightings of both mothers and young within the population. The Nilgiri Tahr young one is born between December and January. Hence, the April month is ideal for sighting of adult female and young, and the environmental conditions is favourable with greater visibility. The second synchronized survey of Nilgiri Tahr report was released at Guindy Children's Park here today. Tamil Nadu Forest Minister R.S. Rajakannappan released the survey report in the presence of Ms Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forest, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Dr. Yash Veer Bhatnagar - IUCN Country Representative, among others. The second synchronized survey report of the Nilgiri Tahr was released in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department. In this event, A. Forest and Wildlife Protection Minister of Kerala, participated in the program online. MORE UNI GV 1730
The Hindu
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Forest personnel to be trained in handling firearms to hunt down crop-raiding wild boars, says Minister
The Department of Forest will soon provide firearms to the forest personnel after properly training them in handling the weapons to hunt down the wild boars entering the ranches and cause serious crop destruction, Minister for Forest R.S. Rajakannappan has said. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Kalakkad Thalaiyanai and adjoining areas of Kalakkad – Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) on Friday, he said the Department of Forest was taking every possible step to avert wild animal invasion into the ranches either by digging trenches or erecting solar electric fences along the forest boundary being largely used by the wild animals. As places like Veppanahalli in Krishnagiri districts were witnessing frequent entry of wild elephants into the habitations close to the forest and the fields, electric fences were being put up in this place while forest personnel were working overtime to chase these animals back into the forest. The Forest Department was very much aware of the farmers' agonies due to the extensive crop damage being caused by the wild animals like elephant, deer, wild boars, bear and Indian gaur entering the fields from nearby forests. As the wild boars were being the wrecker in chief, firearms were to be given to the forest personnel after properly training them in handling these weapons. 'The well-trained forest personnel, as per the norms established by the forest department, will hunt down the wild boars entering the farms and destroy crops,' he said. The minister asserted that Tamil Nadu's forest cover, which stands at 21.76% now, would soon increase to 33%, thanks to the meticulous steps being taken by the department. The third wildlife biodiversity park of Tamil Nadu was coming-up near Tiruchi on 420 acres after Vandalur and Vellore parks. When asked about the possibility of establishing the second Forest College in Southern Tamil Nadu after the first one at Mettupalayam, he said he would discuss it with the Chief Minister. He denied the allegation that the Department of Forest was not regularising at regular intervals the services of the anti-poaching watchers with 10 years of service. 'They are being made permanent employees of Department of Forest on the completion of 10 years of service while other posts are being filled-up through Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission,' Mr. Rajakannappan replied. On his inspection today, the minister said several development works were going on in Kalakkad, Thirukkurunkudi and Upper Gothaiyar ranges of KMTR and hence he visited this region to check the progress. Deputy Director of KMTR's Kalakkad Division Rameswaran, Kalakkad municipality chairperson Shanthi, vice-chairman P.C. Rajan, Kalakkad Forest Range Officer Prabhakaran and Thirukkurunkudi Forest Range Officer Yogeswaran were present.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
48th summer festival kicks off in Yercaud with week-long flower show and cultural events
The 48th edition of the Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show was inaugurated on Friday by Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran in the presence of Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi. Speaking at the event, Mr. Panneerselvam said the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has been implementing several welfare schemes, including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which provides ₹1,000 per month to over 1.15 crore women. Other initiatives such as Vidiyal Payanam and the Breakfast Scheme were also highlighted. He noted that under the backyard garden initiative, 15 lakh households across Tamil Nadu had received vegetable seeds and benefitted through the horticulture department. The week-long flower show and summer festival at Anna Park features over 50,000 roses sculpted into forest-themed displays, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and other animals. A replica of the Mettur Dam's 16-shutter spillway, made with 73,000 roses, is a key attraction. Awareness-themed installations created from over 6,000 carnations and roses highlight topics such as waste management and biodiversity. Cartoon character displays and selfie points have been created to attract children and families. More than 30,000 flower pots have been arranged, and decorative lighting enhances the park's visual appeal. Several government departments have also set up stalls exhibiting horticultural produce and value-added products. Mr. Rajakannappan spoke about welfare schemes for forest-dwelling communities and noted that more than 20,000 students and residents had selected the Oriental Darter as Salem district's bird. Mr. Rajendran said the festival helps boost local tourism and showcases Yercaud's natural charm. He expressed confidence that this year's event would attract larger crowds and offer a memorable experience for visitors from across the State.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show to begin on May 23
The 48th Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show will begin at the hilltop on Friday and continue till May 29, featuring a variety of competitions, musical concerts, and vibrant cultural events. Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Minister for Forests and Khadi, R.S. Rajakannappan, and Minister for Tourism, R. Rajendran, will inaugurate the festival at 4 p.m. in Yercaud. The Ministers will also inaugurate various exhibition stalls set up by departments including Agriculture, Forests, Tourism, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and Sericulture, and distribute welfare assistance to beneficiaries. Collector R. Brindha Devi said the seven-day festival would feature a grand flower show organised by the Horticulture Department at Anna Park, showcasing 1.5 lakh flowers. There would also be fruit and vegetable exhibitions. Special floral displays would depict wildlife and notable landmarks like the Mettur Dam to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. Additionally, over 25,000 colourful flower pots would be used to attract tourists. She added that several events would be held as part of the festival, including a healthy child contest, traditional food competition, rangoli competition, boating competitions for tourists, pet dog exhibition, and cultural programmes. Various sports competitions, including football and cricket, would also be organised for youth. To entertain tourists visiting Yercaud, musical concerts and cultural events would be held on all days of the festival. The Collector had earlier reviewed the arrangements with all departments and instructed them to ensure that all amenities were in place for visitors. Police personnel will manage vehicle movement at the hilltop to prevent traffic congestion. During last year's festival, held from May 22 to 26, nearly two lakh people visited Yercaud — including one lakh who visited Anna Park, Rose Garden, Lake Park, and Botanical Garden, and 35,000 who visited the boathouse. This year, the number of tourists is expected to increase, as the district administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.
