Project Nilgiri Tahr

Context: Recently the Tamil Nadu government launched an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr.

About Nilgiri Tahr:

• The species is locally known as Varaiaadu.
• There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
• The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
• It was designated as the State animal of Tamil Nadu in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.
• IUCN Status: It has been listed as an endangered species and is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
• Habitat and Distribution:
  • The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metres above sea level.
  • Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was known to inhabit a large portion of the Western Ghats.
• But today it remains restricted to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
• Population: It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild.
• October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar.
• He was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies on Nilgiri Tahr in 1975.

Source: The  Hindu

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2022)

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3
4. 3 only

Q.2) With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2021)

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q.3) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (2021)

1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4