IN NEWS :
          Tamil Nadu and Kerala will jointly conduct a synchronized Nilgiri Tahr census across 89 census blocks in Kerala and 176 blocks in Tamil Nadu. This coordinated effort aims to gather comprehensive data on the population and distribution of the species across state borders.

  1. Commemorating a Conservation Milestone The synchronized survey is being organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eravikulam National Park, which was established in 1975. The park has played a vital role in the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr and other endemic species of the Western Ghats.
  2. Endemic and Vulnerable Species The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a vulnerable species under the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in the montane grasslands and rocky terrains of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  3. Eravikulam The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala hosts the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr. The park’s unique shola-grassland ecosystem provides an ideal habitat. The thriving Tahr population also boosts eco-tourism, especially around Munnar, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
  4. Conservation Significance and Policy Implications The 2025 census is expected to provide updated data on population dynamics, migration patterns, and habitat usage, which can shape future conservation strategies and wildlife management policies in the Western Ghats  a global biodiversity hotspot.