Nilgiri Tahr

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Tahr population has recorded a steady rise with the third synchronised population estimation conducted in April 2026.

• Scientific Name – Nilgiritragus hylocrius
• It is the only mountain ungulate or hoofed animal found exclusively in the Southern Western Ghats, amongst the 12 species present in India.
• State animal – It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, and also known as Varaiaadu in Tamil.
• Historic mentions – It has been richly mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature like Silappathigaaram and Seevagasinthamani.
• Habitat – It prefers high-altitude, sub-alpine, open montane grasslands and rocky cliffs, and they avoid low-elevation forests.
• It plays a vital role in nutrient cycling in the high-altitude mountain ecosystem.
• They are typically found between 1,200 and 2,600 meters above sea level.
• Distribution – It is primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala (endemic to Western Ghats) with its distribution stretching from the southern tip of Kanyakumari to the Nilgiri Hills in the north.
• Fragmented Distribution - The species no longer exists in a continuous range, instead, it survives in scattered populations across suitable habitats, as per the third estimation report.
• Diet – Herbivores primarily graze on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation found in their high-altitude environment.
• October 7 – Niligiri Tahr Day (Tamil Nadu)

• Conservation status –
  • IUCN – Endangered.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972 – Schedule I.

Quick Fact

Reference

Indian Express | Nilgiri Tahr population rises in TN