NILGIRI TAHR
High above the clouds, where the Western Ghats ripple like ancient green waves, lives a creature as rugged and remarkable as the mountains themselves—the Nilgiri Tahr. Known locally as Varai Aadu or “cliff goat,” this sure-footed wild ungulate stands proudly as the State Animal of Tamil Nadu, reflecting the grit and grace of the region’s high-altitude landscapes.
A Jewel of the Western Ghats: Scientifically called Nilgiritragus hylocrius, the Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats—a biodiversity treasure recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its range stretches across a slender 400 km belt in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, thriving between 1,200 to 2,600 metres, where montane grasslands rise and fall like wind-carved sculpture.
These habitats—shola forests, open grasslands, and sharp rocky escarpments—are its fortress. The Tahr moves across these slopes with surprising ease, as if born from the rock itself.
Appearance: Strength in Stone and Mist
● Build: Stocky, muscular body with a coarse coat and a short mane.
● Horns: Both males and females bear curved horns; males’ horns grow thicker and longer, reaching up to 40 cm.
● Sexual Dimorphism: Adult males—called Saddlebacks—develop a pale, silvery patch on their back and turn a deeper shade of brown, giving them an air of quiet authority.
● Special Adaptation: Their hooves have a rubbery core surrounded by a hard outer rim—nature’s perfect climbing gear, granting remarkable grip on sharp cliffs and slippery slopes.
A Species Rooted in Culture and Time: The Nilgiri Tahr is not merely an animal of the mountains; it is a creature woven into Tamil heritage. Ancient Tamil Sangam literature—including Silappathigaaram and Seevagasinthamani—mentions hill goats and their rugged spirit, echoing the Tahr’s presence for more than 2,000 years. Its enduring connection to the region makes its protection not just ecological, but cultural.
Life in the Shola-Grassland World: Tahrs live in herds, usually led by females. Their days follow the quiet rhythm of the mountains—grazing at dawn, seeking shade during midday winds, and navigating steep slopes with the effortless precision of seasoned climbers.
Diet: Fresh grasses, shrubs, tender shoots
As grazers, they help sculpt the grassland ecosystem, ensuring balance in these delicate high-altitude belts.
Conservation Status: A Monarch at Risk
Despite their historic abundance, Nilgiri Tahr populations have plummeted. They are listed as:
● IUCN Status: Endangered
● Legal Protection: Schedule I, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
A WWF-India report (2015) estimated the wild population at around 3,122 individuals, a stark reminder of how vulnerable this species has become.
Major Threats
● Habitat Loss: Expansion of plantations (like eucalyptus and wattle), hydroelectric projects, and encroachment.
● Fragmentation: Isolated populations limit genetic diversity.
● Competition: Domestic livestock degrade grazing grounds.
● Poaching: Rare but still a threat.
Protecting the Tahr is essential for preserving the shola-grassland ecosystem—one of South India’s most important water catchments.
Project Nilgiri Tahr: Tamil Nadu’s Commitment to Revival
In December 2022, the Tamil Nadu government launched Project Nilgiri Tahr, an ambitious conservation initiative running from 2022–2027, with a budget of ₹25.14 crore. This effort marks a determined step toward restoring the species.
Key Objectives
● Scientific Surveys: Using radio telemetry and field studies to understand movement and population health.
● Habitat Restoration: Reintroducing Tahrs in locations where they have disappeared.
● Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the species and its fragile habitat.
● Commemoration: Declaring October 7 as Nilgiri Tahr Day, in honour of Dr. E.R.C. Davidar, a pioneer in Tahr research.
Why It Is the State Animal of Tamil Nadu
The Nilgiri Tahr embodies:
● The rugged spirit of Tamil Nadu’s mountains
● The uniqueness of the Western Ghats
● The urgent need to protect high-altitude ecosystems
● Its selection reflects both pride and responsibility—a reminder that heritage must be safeguarded as fiercely as it is celebrated.
A Living Symbol of Resilience: The Nilgiri Tahr is a sentinel of the mountains, an indicator of ecosystem health, and a vital guardian of water sources that feed millions in South India. Its survival tells the story of a land that still breathes wild beauty.
Protecting the Tahr is not merely an act of conservation—it is a promise to protect the timeless harmony between hill, grassland, forest, and life. In the quiet dawn, when a Tahr silhouette stands against the sky, it feels as though the mountains themselves are watching over us.
