Project to protect Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu animal, launched

Tamil Nadu is set to implement Project Nilgiri Tahr, aimed at developing a better understanding of the population, distribution and ecology of the endangered species which is the state animal. Quoting references from Sangam literature about its significance and its habitat, the department of environment, climate and forest on Wednesday issued an order in connection with the new conservation initiative.
The project, to be set up at a cost of `25.1 crore, will be implemented during the 2022-27 period. Nilgiris Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), endemic to the Western ghats and locally known as ‘Varaiaadu’, has been classified a critically endangered species in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (protection) Act of India, 1972. A World Wide Fund for Nature Report in 2015 estimated that there were 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr in the wild.
Chief minister M K Stalin tweeted, “Extremely happy and proud to inform that the State animal of Tamil Nadu ‘Nilgiri Tahr’ gets an exclusive project dedicated for its conservation. Government has issued orders today to set up India’s first ‘The Nilgiri Tahr’ project. We will ensure that the state animal of Tamil Nadu is well protected and all efforts are taken for its conservation.”
The project will follow a multi-pronged strategy including synchronized surveys to estimate the numbers of individuals through the use of radio telemetry including radio collaring, etc. It will also include efforts to restore the animal’s fragmented habitat, with revival of shola grasslands to be taken up on a priority basis, said the GO.
The order also highlighted that October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ in honour of Dr E R C Davidar, wildlife conservationist whose birthday falls on the day and who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies on Nilgiri Tahr in 1975.
“Even though there have been multiple studies over the past few decades to understand these species to a great extent, there is still a lack of ecological data and understanding for conservation planning on the animal,” said Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, environment, climate change and forests. The habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr is internationally recognized as a region of immense global importance due to its incredible bio-diversity, she added.