Survey reveals Nilgiri Tahr numbers in TN rose to 1,364 this year, but growth rate fell

Chennai: The population of the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s state animal, has increased marginally from 1,303 to 1,364 this year, according to data released by State Forest Minister R V Ranjith Kumar on World Environment Day on Friday. However, this year’s growth rate plumetted to 4.68%, compared to 21% in 2025.

State Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu said the third synchronized survey was conducted over four days beginning April 24. Prior to the census, the Project Nilgiri Tahr team organised 11 capacity building and training programmes for forest field staff.

The survey covered 14 Tahr bearing forest divisions across 177 survey blocks, using equipment including spotting scopes, binoculars, high-definition cameras, drones, GPS devices, range finders, and sample collection kits.

The Nilgiri Tahr is a sturdy, goat-like animal with short, coarse fur. Males and females are distinguishable by coat coloration, horn thickness, spacing between horns, facial markings, and a carpal patch.

Sahu highlighted the ecological significance of the endangered species, saying that recent studies show Nilgiri Tahrs consume more than 184 plant species, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling and sustaining high-altitude mountain ecosystems. These ecosystems serve as the source of both perennial and seasonal rivers and are critical for maintaining healthy water catchment areas.

The animals prefer habitats that combine open grasslands with steep rocky cliffs, typically found in the montane grassland mosaics of the Western Ghats at elevations up to 2,695 metres above mean sea level.

Wildlife authorities said that the increase reflects continued protection efforts. However, the slower growth rate this year underscores the need for sustained and intensified conservation measures to ensure the long-term recovery of the species across its fragmented high-altitude habitat in the Western Ghats.