Nilgiri Tahr population rises to 1,364 in Tamil Nadu, up 4.68% over 2025

📌 Summary:

• Tamil Nadu's third synchronised Nilgiri Tahr estimation (April 2026) put the population at an estimated 1,364 individuals — a 4.68% rise over 2025.
• Trend: counts were 1,031 (2024) and 1,303 (2025), signalling a steady recovery; 95% confidence interval is 869–2,465 individuals.
• The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered ungulate (hoofed mammal) found exclusively in the Southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala).
• It inhabits sub-alpine grasslands and plays a vital role in nutrient cycling in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.
• It has the highest protection status under the Wildlife Protection Act.

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Environment — biodiversity conservation, endemic species, ecosystem services; species-monitoring methodology). The Nilgiri Tahr is Tamil Nadu's state animal.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius): endemic to the Southern Western Ghats; Tamil Nadu's state animal.
• 2026 estimate: 1,364 (vs 1,303 in 2025, 1,031 in 2024).
• Listed with highest protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act; IUCN status: Endangered.
• Tamil Nadu runs "Project Nilgiri Tahr" for its conservation.

🔑 Key Term: Synchronised population estimation — a survey method where multiple teams count a species simultaneously across its range to avoid double-counting and improve accuracy.