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The population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s State animal, has risen to an estimated 1,364, according to the third synchronised population survey, conducted jointly by the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Departments.The estimate represents a 4.68% increase from the 1,303 animals recorded in 2025 and a 32% increase from the 1,031 estimated during the first synchronised survey in 2024.The findings were released on Friday by Minister for Forests R.V. Ranjith Kumar and Environment Minister V.K. Rajeev. Along with the Nilgiri Tahr report, they also released the State-level Synchronised Wetland Birds Survey 2026, State-level Synchronised Terrestrial Birds Survey 2026, and the Tamil Nadu State-wide Raptor Assessment Report.The survey was carried out under Project Nilgiri Tahr, a flagship conservation initiative to secure the future of the endemic mountain ungulate found only in the Western Ghats. It was conducted from April 24 to 27 across 177 survey blocks spanning all 14 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu. It covered 43 forest ranges and 124 forest beats across the Western Ghats.The exercise involved 858 personnel, including forest officers, frontline staff, scientists, researchers and veterinary doctors, who collectively trekked 3,219 km through rugged mountain terrain.For the first time, the Forest Department used the Android-based “Varudai” mobile application, enabling real-time transfer of field observations. The survey was conducted in coordination with institutions including the Kerala Forest Department, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-India, Wildlife Institute of India, World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-India, TANUVAS University, Wildlife Trust of India and the Arignar Anna Zoological Park’s Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation.According to the report, 673 Nilgiri Tahrs were estimated in the two largest contiguous habitats — 360 in Grass Hills National Park in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and 313 in Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris. The remaining 691 were recorded across fragmented habitats spread over 13 forest divisions.Among fragmented landscapes, Tiruppur division recorded the highest estimated population at 148 individuals, followed by Kalakad division with 115 and Pollachi division with 78. The report noted that The Anamalai landscape alone accounted for 44.87% of Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Tahr population, while the Nilgiris landscape held 29.25%.Five habitat blocksResearchers also documented Nilgiri Tahr in five habitat blocks where their presence had not been confirmed during previous synchronised surveys.Fresh sightings were recorded in Tiruvannamalai Mottai in Kalakad division, Rasivarai in Tiruppur division, Thoovanam Mottai in Megamalai division, and Kalaiyanputhur and Puramedu in Kodaikanal division.The survey found a male-to-female ratio of 55:100 and a female-to-young ratio of 100:66, indicating active breeding populations. The species was recorded across a wide altitudinal range, from around 270 metres above mean sea level to more than 2,630 metres.The report said the synchronised surveys conducted over the past three years indicate a steady increase in the species’ population and provide a strong scientific basis for long-term conservation planning, habitat restoration and management of fragmented populations.Senior officials who attended the event include Supriya Sahu, Environment and Forests Secretary; Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force); Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden; and A. Udhayan, Director, Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation. Published - June 05, 2026 11:59 pm IST
