Nilgiri Tahr: Habitat Fragmentation and Invasive Species Pose Conservation Challenges

  Conservation reports have highlighted threats to the Nilgiri tahr from habitat fragmentation, invasive species and human activities. 

• These pressures underline the need to protect the mountain grasslands on which the species depends. Infrastructure development, livestock grazing, forest fires and climate change also threaten its survival.

About the Species

• The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a hoofed mountain mammal endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Endemic means that a species naturally occurs within a particular geographical region.
•  Locally known as Varayaadu, it is adapted to steep, rocky terrain.

Habitat and Distribution

•  It primarily inhabits montane grasslands interspersed with shola forests, generally at elevations of 1,200–2,600 metres.
• Its distribution extends across approximately 400 kilometres of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Eravikulam National Park in Kerala supports its largest surviving population. Steep rocky cliffs adjoining grasslands provide important shelter.

Major Conservation Threats

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Conversion and disturbance of natural habitats divide populations into smaller, isolated groups.
•  Invasive Species and Plantations: The spread of invasive plants and conversion of native grasslands into plantations reduce suitable habitat.
• Human Pressures: Infrastructure expansion, encroachment and livestock grazing disturb habitats and increase competition for resources. Disease and forest fires pose additional risks.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature and rainfall create further challenges for this high-elevation species and its habitat.

Conservation Status and Priorities

• The Nilgiri tahr is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Conservation priorities include restoring native grasslands, controlling invasive plants, maintaining connectivity between habitats and regularly monitoring populations. 
• Protecting this species also requires conserving the wider grassland–shola ecosystem.

 MCQ - ENGLISH

Q. With reference to the Nilgiri tahr, consider the following statements:

1. It is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.

2. Eravikulam National Park supports its largest surviving population.

3. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 

Explanation

• The Nilgiri tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Eravikulam supports its largest surviving population. Its IUCN category is Endangered.