Nadu is set to implement Project Nilgiri Tahr, aimed at developing a better understanding of the Population, distribution and ECOLOGY of the endangered species which is the state animal. Quoting references from Sangam literature about its significance and its habitat, the department of Environment, Climate and forest on Wednesday issued an order in connection with the new conservation initiative.
The project, to be set up at a cost of `25.1 crore, will be implemented during the 2022-27 period. Nilgiris Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), endemic to the Western ghats and locally known as Varaiaadu, has been classified a critically endangered species in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (protection) Act of India, 1972. A World Wide Fund for Nature Report in 2015 estimated that there were 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr in the wild.
The project will follow a multi-pronged strategy including synchronized surveys to estimate the numbers of individuals through the use of radio telemetry including radio collaring, etc. It will also include efforts to restore the animals fragmented habitat, with revival of shola grasslands to be taken up on a priority basis.