Nilgiri Tahr population rises to 1,364 in Tamil Nadu, 4.68% rise over ’25

Why in news

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department reported a 4.68% increase in the Nilgiri Tahr population to 1,364 individuals during a 2026 estimation exercise.

Background

The population estimation was conducted across 14 forest divisions between April 24-27, 2026. The Pollachi Forest Division recorded the highest population with 438 individuals.

Facts for Prelims

• EnvironmentNilgiri Tahr: An endangered species found exclusively in the Southern Western Ghats.
• FactNilgiri Tahr population in Tamil Nadu: 1,364 individuals as of June 2026.
• PlacePollachi Forest Division: Recorded the highest Nilgiri Tahr population (438) in the study.
• FactPopulation growth: 4.68% increase over the previous year.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the ecological significance of the Nilgiri Tahr in high-altitude mountain ecosystems and evaluate the effectiveness of population monitoring in biodiversity conservation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Ecological role: Vital contribution to nutrient cycling in high-altitude mountain ecosystems
• Conservation monitoring: Importance of synchronized population estimation for endangered species management

Keywords: Biodiversity Conservation · Endangered Species · Nutrient Cycling · Population Dynamics · Western Ghats

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