Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is poised to carry out its second synchronized survey of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr alongside the Kerala Forest Department from April 24 to 27. The initiative will cover 176 blocks and aims to assess population trends and reproductive health.Key Takeaways
- Survey Duration: April 24-27
- Blocks Covered: 176 across 14 forest divisions
- Collaboration: Kerala Forest Department participation
- Focus: Population trends and reproductive health
- Methodologies: Bounded Count and Double Observer techniques
Chennai, April 14 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is preparing to carry out the second annual synchronized survey of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr from April 24 to 27.
This year's initiative will cover 176 blocks across 14 forest divisions recognized for hosting Tahr populations, an increase from 140 blocks last year.
Among the newly included areas is the historic Kodaikanal division, home to the renowned Ibex Hills.
Additionally, the Kerala Forest Department has shown interest in collaborating on this initiative.
Tamil Nadu has invited Kerala to survey 30 blocks near the inter-state border; however, officials from Kerala suggest that the presence of Nilgiri Tahr in many of those zones is unlikely.
Consequently, Kerala may broaden its survey from three to around 9–10 blocks this year.
Scheduled to align with the post-birthing season, the survey aims to observe mothers and their offspring born in December-January. This timing is anticipated to provide essential insights into population dynamics and reproductive health.
The Forest Department will utilize scientifically sound methodologies, including the Bounded Count and Double Observer techniques, adapted for both fragmented and continuous habitats, particularly near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.
Beyond estimating the population, the survey will also conduct threat assessments, carnivore fecal sampling for parasitic studies, and comprehensive field observations.
To ensure accuracy in data collection, specially crafted data sheets will be employed. Field staff will undergo rigorous training from April 15 to 20.
This initiative will receive support from experts associated with IUCN-India, the Wildlife Institute of India, and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
The survey will traverse 2,000 km of terrain and encompass 233 sq km of habitat, extending from Ashambu Mottai in Kanniyakumari to Thavalamalai in Gudalur.
The inaugural survey in 2024 estimated the Nilgiri Tahr population in Tamil Nadu at 1,031. When combined with Kerala's count from Eravikulam National Park of 827, the overall total reached 1,858.
Encouragingly, the survey indicated a healthy male-to-female ratio of 1:2 and a female-to-young ratio of 2:1, reflecting robust reproductive health.
Nevertheless, conservationists express concern over local extinctions reported in eight historical habitats, including Budha Gundu and Glenmorgan.
Initiated in October 2023 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Project Nilgiri Tahr seeks to address these trends through synchronized surveys, grassland restoration, and the removal of invasive species.
In a promising update, a new habitat for Nilgiri Tahr was identified in Pasumalai, located in the Megamalai Forest Division, in November 2024.
Five Tahrs were sighted in the area, highlighting the species' adaptability and the need for safeguarding emerging habitats.
