NILGIRI TAHR

Mountain Goats of the Western Ghat in South India are called Nilgiri Tahr. They resemble the domestic goats. Its population
has dwindled down the years. So that it is highly endangered.
It is estimated that the entire stretch of Western Ghats have
only 2000 Tahrs.

Nilgiri Tahr Foundation has been launched by a group of
keen environmentalists who have trekked many parts of
Western Ghats and observed the Tahrs. The objective of the Foundation is to create awareness of the Tahrs both in
National and International level.

The Tahr is a sure footed animal that can swiftly climb
the rocks. Their habitat is the high altitude grasslands
of the Western Ghats. They move in groups.

A viable population of the Tahrs exist in Eravikulam
National Park near Munnar which is about 110 kilometres
away from Kochi, an important city of South India. The other
areas of Western Ghats like Palni hills, Mukrithy hills, Anamala, Parambikulam, Silent Valley, Thekkady, Neyyar and Agasthyakoodam have only fragmented population.
Eravikulam National Park has about 800 Tahrs.

Since the Wild Life Protection Act came into existence in 1972,
all the animals including the Tahrs are well protected.
Their number has increased accordingly. The Tiger and
Wild Dogs prey upon the Tahrs.

In the high altitude grass lands of Eravikulam and other
parts of Western Ghats it may be difficult to spot the Tahrs
at close range, but Rajmallai tourist zone is exciting.
The Tahrs are so well acquainted with the tourists and they
come so closely without fear. The Forest Department has
imposed strict code of conduct for the tourist so that the
animal is not teased or harassed. The tourists observe them
silently. That is why the Tahrs have built up a fine rapport
with the tourists and wild life observers.

Since the Tahr is highly endangered it finds a place in the
Red Data book of the I.U.C.N (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

The Nilgiri Tahr Foundation is a non profit making body
and devotes its time to study, monitor and do research about
its ecology and habitat. It mobilises public opinion to
care more for the Tahr.

The Nilgiri Tahr Foundation
18-2062 C
Valummel Road
P.O. Thoppumpody
Kochi - 682 005
Kerala
INDIA

Phone: (0484)-232237
E-mail: info@tahr.8m.com

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