Nilgiri Tahr Population Rises to 1,364 in TN: Survey
Researchers documented Nilgiri Tahr populations across a wide elevation range, from 270 metres above mean sea level to 2,630 metres, demonstrating the species’ adaptability to diverse mountain habitats.
Chennai:The population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s State animal, has increased to 1,364, according to the findings of the third synchronised survey conducted across the Western Ghats. The latest estimate reflects a 4.68 per cent increase over the previous year’s count of 1,303, highlighting the positive impact of sustained conservation efforts under Project Nilgiri Tahr.
The four-day survey was carried out by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department from April 24 to April 27, 2026, simultaneously across all 14 Nilgiri Tahr-bearing forest divisions in the State. The exercise covered 177 survey blocks spread across 126 forest beats and 43 forest ranges, making it one of the most comprehensive wildlife assessments undertaken in the region.
The annual synchronised survey is a key component of Project Nilgiri Tahr and is conducted in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department. The first survey in 2024 estimated the population at 1,031, while the second survey in 2025 recorded 1,303 animals, indicating a steady increase over the past three years.
Forest officials said the Anamalai Hills continue to be the stronghold of the species, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the total population in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiris landscape holds about 29 per cent of the State’s Nilgiri Tahr population.
A notable feature of this year’s survey was the use of the Android-based mobile application “VARUDAI” for the first time, enabling real-time data collection and transfer from the field. Prior to the survey, 11 capacity-building and training programmes were organised for frontline forest staff to enhance monitoring and data recording skills.
The survey also witnessed participation from independent observers and experts representing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-India, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Kerala Forest Department and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Researchers documented Nilgiri Tahr populations across a wide elevation range, from 270 metres above mean sea level to 2,630 metres, demonstrating the species’ adaptability to diverse mountain habitats.
The third synchronised survey report was released on Friday by the State’s Forest and Environment Ministers on the occasion of World Environment Day. Officials said the findings would serve as an important scientific database for long-term conservation planning, habitat management and strengthening protection measures for the iconic mountain ungulate of the Western Ghats.
