Population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr, state animal of Tamil Nadu,now estimated at 1,364. Recent survey by Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Departments shows 4.68% rise from 1,303 recorded in 2025. Up 32% from initial 1,031 estimate in first synchronized survey in 2024.
Friday's findings unveiled by R.V. Ranjith Kumar,Minister for Forests, and V.K. Rajeev, Environment Minister. They also released results from State-level Synchronised Wetland Birds Survey 2026,Terrestrial Birds Survey 2026,and the Tamil Nadu State-wide Raptor Assessment Report.
Survey under Project Nilgiri Tahr ran April 24-27,covering 177 survey blocks across 14 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu. 858 personnel,including forest officers,scientists,veterinary doctors,trekked 3,219 kilometers through tough mountain terrain. For first time, Forest Department used Android mobile app "Varudai" for real-time data transfer.
Key findings: 673 Nilgiri Tahrs found in two largest habitats: 360 in Grass Hills National Park within Anamalai Tiger Reserve, 313 in Mukurthi National Park in Nilgiris. Remaining 691 spread across fragmented habitats in 13 forest divisions. Tiruppur division had highest estimated population in fragmented areas,with 148 Tahrs, followed by Kalakad with 115 and Pollachi with 78.
Report noted Anamalai landscape alone accounted for 44.87% of Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Tahr population,Nilgiris landscape 29.25%. Researchers found Nilgiri Tahr in five new habitat blocks. Fresh sightings in Tiruvannamalai Mottai,Rasivarai, Thoovanam Mottai, Kalaiyanputhur.
Population structure analysis: male-to-female ratio 55:100,female-to-young 100:66,indicating healthy breeding population. Species observed from 270 meters to over 2,630 meters above sea level.
Survey results over past three years show steady Nilgiri Tahr population increase. Data provides strong scientific base for future conservation, habitat restoration, and fragmented population management. Senior officials at announcement included Supriya Sahu,Environment and Forests Secretary, Srinivas R . Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden…
