Latest news with #SecondSynchronizedSurveyofNilgiriTahr
NDTV
4 days ago
- General
- NDTV
In Conservation Win, Tamil Nadu State Animal Nilgiri Tahr's Numbers Shoot Up
Chennai: In a major conservation success story from the Western Ghats, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr - Tamil Nadu's state animal - has shown a significant rise in numbers. The Second Synchronized Survey of Nilgiri Tahr conducted in April 2025 has estimated 2,655 individuals across Tamil Nadu and Kerala - a substantial increase from the 2024 estimate of 2,383. Led by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department under the ambitious Project Nilgiri Tahr, this year's survey recorded 1,303 Nilgiri Tahrs in Tamil Nadu and 1,352 in Kerala, marking one of the highest combined population estimates in decades. "This is not just a count. It's a confirmation that targeted conservation, rooted in science and supported by political will, works," said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests. The large-scale survey spanned 14 forest divisions, 43 forest ranges and 177 survey blocks, including 36 newly-added habitats. It involved 786 trained personnel, integrating modern tools such as drone reconnaissance, GIS mapping and the Double Observer and Bounded Count methodologies to ensure accurate and repeatable results. Key Highlights Sex ratio stands at 49 males per 100 females, while the young-to-female ratio is 50 to 100 - indicating healthy reproduction. New sightings were recorded in low elevation zones like Peyanar (270m), the lowest ever recorded habitat for the species. Mukurthi and Grass Hills National Parks remain core habitats, while fragmented and recolonised landscapes in Kodaikanal, Theni, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari offered fresh hope for species expansion. Crucially, this year's survey included a new threat assessment module, documenting the challenges Nilgiri Tahrs face - habitat fragmentation, invasive species, forest fires and human encroachment. Launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in October 2023, Project Nilgiri Tahr has rapidly evolved into one of India's most ambitious single-species recovery programs. It includes shola grassland restoration, radio-collaring for tracking, disease diagnostics and plans for captive breeding and reintroduction into lost habitats. With the declaration of October 7 as Nilgiri Tahr Day to honour conservation pioneer ERC Davidar, the state continues to blend science, tradition and stewardship to protect this iconic mountain ungulate. "Protecting the Nilgiri Tahr is protecting the soul of the Western Ghats," said Project Director MG Ganesan, adding that the findings will now guide future adaptive conservation strategies.
United News of India
4 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
