In one of the comprehensive species-specific protection initiatives launched by the Forest Department, a census of the highly endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr began across the State on Friday.
The census, which would look into the present state of various habitats of Nilgiri tahr, would cover all forest regions apart from giving special focus on the Siruvani portion of the Silent Valley National Park, the Munnar-Rajamala portion of the Eravikulam National Park, the Nelliampathy Hills of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and different stretches of the Periyar and Agasthyamala sanctuaries.
The census, to be held on three days, would take a close look at the Malayattur, Vazhachal and Chalakudy forests where Nilgiri tahrs roam around. Forest officials at Silent Valley said this was the first comprehensive survey of Nilgiri tahrs at the State level. Almost all the surveys held in the past had revolved around the Eravikulam National Park, a major habitat of Nilgiri tahrs.
Siruvani, Nelliampathy teem with them
Both Siruvani and Nelliampathy have a sizable number of Nilgiri tahrs but their status has never been brought to an expert study. In Siruvani alone, 30 experts and forest officials are engaging in the survey. Apart from the number of remaining tahrs, the survey would focus on their age, gender and the survival challenges. Their eating habits, reasons for habitat destruction and other issues affecting adversely the conservation efforts would also form part of the census initiative.
