Nilgiri Tahr Population Hits Record 2,655 Across TN & Kerala, But Habitat Fragmentation Threatens Survival

Nilgiri Tahr Population Hits Record 2,655 Across TN & Kerala, But Habitat Fragmentation Threatens Survival

Nilgiri Tahr Population Rises to 2,655 Across TN & Kerala, But Fragmentation Threatens Isolated Groups

In a positive development for wildlife conservation, the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s state animal, has recorded its highest population in recent decades—2,655 individuals across the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This follows the second synchronised population survey conducted jointly by both states.

In Tamil Nadu alone, the survey estimated 1,303 Nilgiri Tahrs across 14 forest divisions, while Kerala recorded 1,352, bringing the combined total to 2,655. Compared to last year’s count of 1,031 (in 128 comparable blocks), Tamil Nadu saw a 19% increase in its Nilgiri Tahr population.

Strongholds Remain Stable

The Nilgiri Tahr continues to thrive in its strongholds:

• Mukurthi National Park, Nilgiris: 282 Tahrs (4/sq km density)

• Grass Hills, Anamalai Tiger Reserve: 334 Tahrs (10/sq km density)

• Eravikulam National Park, Kerala: 841 Tahrs – the largest subpopulation

The synchronised survey in Tamil Nadu covered 3,123.6 km using 786 field staff, who adopted Double Observer and Bounded Count methods across 177 blocks.

Fragmentation Still a Major Threat

Despite the population growth, habitat fragmentation remains the biggest conservation concern. Many Tahr populations remain small and below the 50-individual threshold required for long-term survival. For example:

• Coimbatore: 9

• Kodaikanal: 13

• Nellai Sanctuary: 8–14

• Srivilliputhur: 67

• Kanniyakumari: 27

• Megamalai: Dropped from 118 in 2024 to 87 in 2025

This highlights an urgent need to reconnect isolated habitats and restore degraded landscapes.

Signs of Recolonisation & Conservation Action

There are signs of hope and recolonisation:

• Tahrs were sighted in Chinnattumalai (Coimbatore) after a decade

• Pellet evidence was found in Mangaladevi (Megamalai)

• New sighting in Peyar Varaiyattumottai (KMTR) at a record low elevation of 270m

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted a scientific committee, led by the Chief Wildlife Warden, to guide Project Nilgiri Tahr on key actions such as:

• Radio collaring

• Monitoring and tranquilisation

• Reintroduction planning

• Long-term population tracking

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, said that corridor development and habitat restoration are underway, especially near Kolaribetta in Nilgiris, which is the highest elevation habitat for the species. A 35-hectare patch is being restored to reconnect this isolated group with Mukurthi’s metapopulation.

“Invasive species have been cleared, and native grasslands are regenerating,” said M.G. Ganesan, Project Director of Project Nilgiri Tahr.

Conclusion

While the rise in population is promising, experts warn that protecting isolated subpopulations is critical to prevent local extinctions. With focused efforts on habitat connectivity, invasive species management, and scientific reintroduction, the Nilgiri Tahr may continue to reclaim lost ground across its natural range.