NILGIRI TAHR
The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and assessed as endangered by the IUCN using the 1994 Red List Category. Having been exterminated from the northernmost landscape, the high altitude grasslands of southwestern Karnataka during the past 50 years, the Tahr is at present found only within 6 high altitude landscapes. And within these 6 landscapes, 18 localities have sustained small to large populations that vary in size between 20 and 550 animals. Estimates made at various times during the past 30 years placed the population size of the Nilgiri Tahr between 2000 and 2500 over its entire range. It is evident that the Nilgiri Tahr had reached the brink of extinction sometime during the latter half of the 19th century. Early interventions by the erstwhile Nilgiri Game Association and High Range Game Association as well as modern conservation initiatives guided by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 have aided a rather dramatic comeback of the species in less than 150 years. A rough estimate wouldSpice Shoppresently place their numbers within 1800-2000. The main breeding season of the wild Nilgiri Tahr is from June to August during the monsoons. Conception is for a period of 6 months. A peak in births occurs in January and February. A new born Tahr is called a Kid. By two months of age the kid follows its mother but they are not weaned until four to six months. Sexual maturity occurs at around 16 months. The average life expectancy of the Nilgiri Tahr in the wild is estimated to be only three or years, although their potential life span is at least 9 years.
Size: 5400px × 3600px
Location: Eravikulam National Park,Munnar
Photo credit: © BIJULAL M.D / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: nilgiri, tahr
