50 years on, Tamil Nadu plans to reintroduce Nilgiri tahr in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

Fifty years after the Nilgiri tahr was last seen in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), the Tamil Nadu Forest Department plans to reintroduce this state animal to the area.

Project Nilgiri tahr:

Objective: To bring back Nilgiri tahrs to STR by finding suitable habitats with sufficient fodder and the right elevation.
Current Status in Reserves:
- STR is currently the only major reserve in Tamil Nadu without Nilgiri tahrs.
- The species has been spotted in Mudumalai, Anamalai, Srivilliputhur Megamalai, and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves.
Implementation:
- The forest department is surveying STR for ideal “grass hills” where Nilgiri tahrs can thrive.

Nilgiri Tahr:

The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered mountain ungulate (hoofed mammal) native to the Western Ghats of India.
As Tamil Nadu’s state animal, it holds cultural and ecological significance and is one of the few wild goat species adapted to live in steep, rugged landscapes.

Key Characteristics:

Physical Appearance:
- The Nilgiri tahr has a robust, stocky build with coarse, dark brown to grayish fur.
- Males are larger, with a distinctive dark coat and a lighter “saddle patch” on their back. They also have backward-curving horns, which can grow up to 40 cm in length.
- Females are smaller, lighter in colour, and have shorter horns.
Habitat:
- Found mainly in grassland and rocky hill slopes at elevations between 1,200 to 2,500 meters in the Western Ghats.
- Major populations are concentrated in Eravikulam National Park in Kerala and other Tamil Nadu reserves such as Mukurthi, Kalakkad Mundanthurai, Srivilliputhur Megamalai, and Anamalai.
Diet:
- Primarily grazers, they feed on grasses, shrubs, and various herbs.
- Their diet varies seasonally, influenced by the availability of food and changes in vegetation cover.

Population Status and Conservation:

Endangered Status: The Nilgiri tahr is listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN due to its limited range and declining population.
Population Estimate: There are an estimated 3,100 individuals in Tamil Nadu’s protected reserves.

Threats to Survival:

Habitat Loss:
- Expansion of plantations, construction projects, and grazing encroachment in their habitats disrupt their natural ranges.
Predation:
- Predators like leopards and wild dogs (dholes) pose a natural threat, especially to young tahrs.
Poaching and Illegal Hunting:
- Despite legal protections, poaching for meat and horns remains a concern in some regions.
Climate Change:
- Altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and changing vegetation due to climate change affect their mountain habitats.

Conservation Efforts

Project Nilgiri Tahr: Launched by the Tamil Nadu government with a ₹25 crore budget, this project focuses on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and possibly reintroducing Nilgiri tahrs into areas where they once thrived.
Protected Reserves: The majority of the Nilgiri tahr population resides within protected areas, where they are monitored and protected from poaching and habitat destruction.
Research and Monitoring:
- Annual censuses and habitat studies help track population trends and improve conservation strategies.
- Recent DNA analyses are being conducted to understand their dietary needs better, which aids in habitat management.

Cultural and Ecological Significance:

State Symbol: The Nilgiri tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu and represents the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Ecological Role: As herbivores, they play a key role in maintaining the balance of mountain ecosystems by controlling vegetation growth and serving as prey for native predators.

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR):

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is a significant protected area in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India.
Known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, STR was designated as a tiger reserve in 2013. It plays a crucial role in connecting various wildlife corridors and is an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Key Facts

Location: Situated in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, STR covers portions of both the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, making it a unique ecological region.
Area: It spans an area of approximately 1,411 square kilometers, making it the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
Establishment: Originally a wildlife sanctuary in 2008, it was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2013 due to its importance as a tiger habitat.

Biodiversity:

Fauna:
- Tigers: STR has a thriving population of Bengal tigers and is a key region for tiger conservation in Tamil Nadu.
- Elephants: It hosts one of the largest populations of Asiatic elephants in South India.
- Other large mammals include leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), and mugger crocodiles.
- Herbivores like spotted deer, sambar, four-horned antelope, and blackbuck are also found here.
Flora:
- The vegetation in STR ranges from dry deciduous and thorn forests at lower altitudes to moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests at higher elevations.
- Key tree species include teak, rosewood, bamboo, and sandalwood.
Birds and Reptiles:
- STR is home to diverse bird species, including the Indian grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and Malabar trogon.
- Reptile diversity includes cobras, pythons, and the Indian chameleon.

Conservation Significance:

Tiger Conservation: STR is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which connects multiple tiger habitats, including Bandipur and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves. This connectivity allows for the genetic exchange between tiger populations, crucial for maintaining genetic diversity.
Elephant Corridor: The reserve is a critical elephant corridor, linking elephant populations across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which helps reduce human-elephant conflict by providing safe passages for migratory herds.

Unique Features:

Diverse Ecosystems: STR is one of the few reserves bridging the Western and Eastern Ghats, supporting a wide range of ecosystems and species adapted to varied climatic conditions.
Tribal Communities: The reserve is home to indigenous tribes, such as the Irula and Soliga communities, who have a deep connection with the forest and contribute to its conservation.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence: The area has been a model for community-based conservation, where local communities collaborate with forest officials to manage and conserve wildlife.