The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has officially commenced the much-anticipated Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025, marking a crucial initiative aimed at understanding and protecting the population of this iconic and endangered mountain goat species. Native to the Western Ghats and found only in parts of southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a symbol of ecological pride and biodiversity heritage.
This year’s census, which is expected to span over several weeks, involves comprehensive fieldwork across the animal’s known habitats, including the Mukurthi National Park, Eravikulam National Park, and surrounding high-altitude shola grasslands. The operation is being carried out with renewed focus, advanced tracking methods, and stronger community participation, all reflecting the increasing urgency of wildlife conservation in the face of growing climate and human-induced pressures.
The Significance of the Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr is not just another animal on India’s rich wildlife list—it is Tamil Nadu’s state animal and a keystone species of the montane grasslands in the Western Ghats. Known for its curved horns and sure-footed agility, it thrives in steep cliffs and grassy slopes above 1,200 meters. The species is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its numbers historically threatened by habitat loss, poaching, livestock grazing, and human encroachment.
The current population is estimated to be between 3,000 to 3,500 individuals, most of which are found within protected areas. However, no precise figures exist due to the challenges in monitoring such elusive and terrain-dependent species. This is why the census is not just a bureaucratic exercise, but a vital step toward long-term conservation planning.
What Makes the 2025 Census Different?
This year’s Nilgiri Tahr Census is being undertaken with greater scientific precision and multi-stakeholder involvement than ever before. Led by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the effort includes:
- Wildlife Biologists and Researchers: Experts from universities and conservation organizations have joined the mission to provide technical knowledge and ensure data accuracy.
- Forest Guards and Local Tribes: Over 500 personnel, including frontline forest staff and local tribal members, have been trained to conduct field surveys and identify Tahr sightings.
- Use of Technology: For the first time in a Nilgiri Tahr census, camera traps, GPS mapping, and drones are being used to record movements and estimate populations in inaccessible areas.
- Simultaneous Monitoring: The census will be conducted simultaneously across various ranges to reduce the risk of double counting or missing herds due to migration.
The census will cover all major habitats in the Nilgiris and Anamalai Hills, including Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kodaikanal, and parts of the Palani and Agasthyamalai ranges.
Counting the Uncountable: Field Challenges
Conducting a census in rugged and often mist-covered terrain presents numerous challenges. Nilgiri Tahrs are shy, fast-moving, and adept at navigating vertical cliffs that are hard to reach on foot. Monsoon showers, dense fog, and unpredictable weather in high-altitude areas make visibility and safety a concern for teams on the ground.
Furthermore, Tahrs are known to migrate seasonally in search of food and mates, often crossing into lesser-known and unprotected regions. Without proper coordination and simultaneous tracking, it is easy to undercount or miss clusters of the population.
To overcome this, the department has adopted direct sighting methods in combination with indirect evidence gathering, such as identifying droppings, hoof marks, and leftover grazing trails. Teams are divided into units that cover designated transects from early morning until late afternoon, logging every sighting and habitat condition meticulously.
Community Involvement and Eco-awareness
An encouraging element of this year’s census is the participation of local communities, especially indigenous tribal groups like the Todas and Kotas, who have lived in harmony with the Nilgiri landscape for centuries. Their traditional knowledge of the terrain and wildlife behavior is invaluable in tracking the elusive Tahrs.
Moreover, the Forest Department has launched public awareness drives in nearby towns and villages to educate people about the importance of protecting the Nilgiri Tahr and its fragile habitat. School visits, eco-clubs, and citizen science initiatives have been rolled out to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Why the Census Matters
The data gathered during this census will help shape crucial conservation policies. It will provide:
- Baseline population estimates for the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Information on breeding patterns, habitat range, and threats.
- Insights into climate change impact, as the species is highly sensitive to changing temperature and rainfall patterns.
- A roadmap for future habitat restoration and corridor creation to connect isolated herds.
Beyond just numbers, the census highlights the urgency of safeguarding biodiversity in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot that is increasingly under pressure from development, tourism, and climate-related events like landslides and droughts.
A Step Forward in Conservation
The Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025 is more than just a wildlife survey—it’s a resounding statement of commitment by the Tamil Nadu government and the conservation community. As Tamil Nadu advances with its Nilgiri Tahr Project, which includes plans for captive breeding, eco-restoration, and a dedicated Tahr Sanctuary, this census will form the backbone of informed decision-making.
While challenges remain, the collaborative approach of scientists, forest officials, local tribes, and civil society gives hope that this majestic mountain dweller will continue to grace the cliffs of the Western Ghats for generations to come.
Closing Note
As the census progresses over the coming weeks, wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and policymakers alike await the findings with anticipation. The Nilgiri Tahr may be hard to count, but it’s even harder to ignore—its survival is tightly interwoven with the health of our highland ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage.
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