Hemitragus hylocrius
Nilgiri tahr

Nilgiri tahrs (Hemitragus hylocrius) were once abundant in grass-woodland mosaic habitat in rugged hills and mountain slopes of the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The endangered Nilgiri tahrs are endemic to the Western Ghats Mountains in south India. They are now limited to some 17 populations in the Nilgiri, Anamalai, Palani and Highwavy Hills, the Eravikulam area of the High Range, and possibly a few other mountains in the Western Ghats. (Mishra and Johnsingh, 1998; Rice, 1988)

They prefer grass-woodland mosaic habitat in rugged hills, mountain slopes and plateaus at altitudes ranging from 1,200-2,200 m. Nilgiri tahr frequent the fringes of the grass-covered plateaus dominated by two main types of grass, Eulalia phaeotrix and Andropogon polyptichus. (Davidar, 1978; Rice, 1986; Rice, 1988)

Nilgiri tahrs are goat-like animals with a short coat and short, laterally flattened and curved horns. Males are black with a silver saddle and bristly mane, while females are grayish brown with white bellies also having latterly-flattened curved horns. Measurements of these animals are as follows: head and body length 90-140 cm; height at the shoulder 61-106 cm; tail length 9-12 cm; weight 50-100 kg. (Nowak, 1991; Rice, 1988)

Nilgiri tahrs have a relatively short life expectancy. Life expectancy at birth is estimated to be 3-3.5 years, though they may live longer. (Rice, 1988)

Nilgiri tahrs are active intermittently from dawn to dusk and are primarily grazers, living in herds ranging from 6 – 104 animals, with average group sizes of 9 for all-female groups and 27 for mixed herds. Males battle on mountain slopes in competition for mates. (Davidar, 1978; Rice, 1988; Schaller, 1977)

The primary modes of communication are visual, auditory and olfactory. Pheromones released in their urine communicate information about mate identification and reproductive activity, spacing mechanisms, and alarm. (Nowak, 1991)

Preferred foods include various grasses and forbs. Species included among these various forage types are Eulalia phaeothrix, Andropogon polyptichus, Chrysopogon zelan, Eupatorium adenophoru, Strobilanthes kunthianus and Cymbopogon spp. (Rice, 1988)

Anti-predator adaptions in Nilgiri tahrs include group defense and using horns for defense. Native predators of the Nilgiri tahr are the tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian wolves (Canis lupus) and dholes (Cuon alpinus). Another major predator are humans who poach these animals by means of shooting and snaring. (Mishra and Johnsingh, 1998; World Conservation Monitoring Center, 2001)

Nilgiri tahrs serve as a food source for predators such as tigers, wolves, and dholes. Their grazing maintains grass levels, which suppresses the probability of fire in grassland communities. (Schaller, 1977)

These animals may compete for grazing with domestic livestock. (World Conservation Monitoring Center, 2001)

Nilgiri tahrs are a valuable source of protein and income for local people. Unfortunately, poaching is the primary means of harvesting this animal. Therefore, this may be a positive economic importance for the local people but the continued poaching may eventually lead to the demise of the species. (Rice, 1988)

Nilgiri tahrs have been protected by government law in India since 1972. These animals are likely candidates for reintroduction and also breed well in captivity. They are not only threatened by poaching, they are threatened by grazing, competition with domestic stock, hydroelectric projects, and habitat loss to agriculture and eucalyptus and wattle plantations. Ecological studies are needed to form a basis of management plans since sustainable harvesting and/or licensed sport hunting of a restored population could be a valuable source of protein and income for local people in a safe and legal mannerr. (World Conservation Monitoring Center, 2001)

In 1986 total numbers were estimated at 2,000 – 2,200, relatively unchanged since 1978. Available evidence suggests that the three largest populations have remained approximately stable in recent years. The largest known populations consist of nearly 550 animals each existing in the Eravikulam and Nilgiri Hills National Parks. These two populations comprise approximately 50% of the remaining animals. The remaining populations are of less than 100 animals. (Davidar, 1978; Rice, 1986; Rice, 1988)