Daily Current Affairs : 25-September-2023
The Nilgiri Tahr, locally known as ‘Varaiaadu,’ is an iconic species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. This remarkable animal holds the status of being the State animal of Tamil Nadu. In recent years, the population of Nilgiri Tahr has been dwindling due to various threats, making conservation efforts crucial. Tamil Nadu, recognizing the urgency of the situation, is working on developing a standardized protocol to count the Nilgiri Tahr population.
The Nilgiri Tahr: A Unique Mountain Ungulate
The Nilgiri Tahr stands as the solitary mountain ungulate species in southern India among the 12 species found in India. Its significance dates back to ancient times, with mentions in the Tamil Sangam literature, which dates back 2,000 years. Additionally, late Mesolithic paintings from 10,000-4,000 BC highlight the Tahr’s cultural and ecological importance in folklore and daily life.
Conservation Status
Understanding the precarious situation of the Nilgiri Tahr is essential. According to a report by WWF India in 2015, their population is estimated at approximately 3,122 individuals in the wild. This species is also classified as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
Habitat and Distribution
The Nilgiri Tahr primarily resides in open montane grassland habitats at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2600 meters in the South Western Ghats. Its distribution spans a narrow stretch of 400 kilometers in the Western Ghats, extending from Nilgiris in the north to Kanyakumari hills in the south. Various populations are found in distinct habitats within this range, including the Eravikulam National Park in the Anamalai hills, which houses the largest population with more than 700 individuals.
Threats to Nilgiri Tahr
Historically, Nilgiri Tahr thrived across more extensive areas in the Western Ghats but is now confined to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Habitat loss due to deforestation, hydroelectric projects, and monoculture plantations pose significant threats. Occasional hunting for their meat and skin further exacerbates their predicament. Natural causes like the spread of invasive plants, forest fires, and highly fragmented populations are also contributing factors.
Lumpy skin disease has been observed in these animals, further emphasizing the need for conservation measures.
Conservation Initiatives
Tamil Nadu’s Project Nilgiri Tahr: In 2022, the Tamil Nadu government launched this initiative, scheduled for implementation from 2022 to 2027. The project aims to gain a better understanding of Nilgiri Tahr populations through surveys and radio telemetry studies. It also includes plans to reintroduce them to their historical habitats, address immediate threats, and raise public awareness. ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ on October 7, dedicated to E.R.C. Davidar, a pioneer in Tahr studies since 1975, is part of this effort.
WWF India’s Nilgiri Tahr Conservation: WWF India initiated its conservation work for the Nilgiri Tahr in 2008. In 2012, they conducted an assessment of the Tahr’s status in the Western Ghats. A comprehensive study on Nilgiri Tahr populations and habitats in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala hills was published in 2015.
Important Points:
- Nilgiri Tahr, locally known as ‘Varaiaadu,’ is an iconic species endemic to the Western Ghats.
- It is the State animal of Tamil Nadu and the sole mountain ungulate in southern India.
- The Tahr has cultural significance dating back 2,000 years and is depicted in ancient Mesolithic paintings.
- The population is estimated at approximately 3,122 individuals in the wild, and it is classified as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN.
- It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
- Nilgiri Tahr inhabits open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 meters.
- Their distribution spans a narrow 400-kilometer stretch in the Western Ghats.
- Habitat loss due to deforestation, hydroelectric projects, and monoculture plantations is a significant threat.
- Occasional hunting for meat and skin, as well as natural causes like invasive plants and forest fires, contribute to their declining population.
- Lumpy skin disease has been observed in Nilgiri Tahr.
- Tamil Nadu’s Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022-2027) aims to understand and conserve the species, reintroduce them to their historical habitat, and raise public awareness.
- ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ on October 7 honors E.R.C. Davidar, a pioneer in Tahr studies.
- WWF India initiated Nilgiri Tahr conservation efforts in 2008 and conducted assessments in 2012 and 2015.
Why In News
Tamil Nadu is diligently crafting a standardized protocol to accurately assess the population of the Nilgiri Tahr, demonstrating their commitment to wildlife conservation. The state’s dedicated efforts aim to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species in its natural habitat.
MCQs about Nilgiri Tahr Conservation in Tamil Nadu
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Where is the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr found?
A. Western Himalayas
B. Eastern Ghats
C. Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala
D. Sundarbans
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What is the main threat to the Nilgiri Tahr population?
A. Climate change
B. Habitat loss due to deforestation and hydroelectric projects
C. Predation by tigers
D. Invasive plant species
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When was ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ established, and whom is it dedicated to?
A. December 25, dedicated to a famous environmentalist
B. October 7, dedicated to E.R.C. Davidar
C. July 14, dedicated to a local tribal leader
D. February 2, dedicated to a famous wildlife photographer
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