Kerala and Tamil Nadu Unite for Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025

Discover the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat species native to the Western Ghats of India, known for its unique appearance, ecological significance, and conservation efforts.

Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu have decided to carry out a joint population survey for Nilgiri Tahr.

About Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr is a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It is locally known as “Varayadu” in Tamil and Malayalam.
It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India.
- Ungulate: A herbivorous hoofed mammal. E.g. cow, sheep, horse.

Nilgiri Tahr is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
Habitat: Prefers montane grasslands (Shola-grassland ecosystem) at elevations of 1,200–2,600 meters.
Eravikulam National Park has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr.
A grown-up male of Nilgi Tahr is known as Saddle Back. (Due to light coloured patch on their back)
Horn Rings: Its age is determined by counting the growth rings on its horns, which form annually, similar to tree rings.