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 :
- Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
- When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
- 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 and 2
- 2 only
- 1 and 3
- 3 only
Q.2) With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
- The leader of an elephant group is a female
- The maximum gestation period can be 22 months
- An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only
- Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2021)
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 3 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
Q.3) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (2021)
- Nagarhole National Park
- Papikonda National Park
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
