CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s state animal, the Nilgiri Tahr, has recorded a population increase, with the second synchronised survey estimating 1,303 individuals across 14 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu. When combined with Kerala’s estimate of 1,352, the total population across the Western Ghats now stands at 2,655 – the highest in recent decades.
For a year-on-year comparison, the estimated population in 128 survey blocks (excluding the blocks added in this year’s survey) increased by 19% from 1,031 in 2024 to 1,228 this year, as per the survey report released by Forest Minister RS Rajakannappan on Tuesday.
The synchronised survey was conducted jointly by the Tamil Nadu and Kerala forest departments. In Tamil Nadu, the exercise involved 786 field staff covering 3,123.6 km and 177 blocks using standardised Double Observer and Bounded Count methods.
The data show core strongholds continue to thrive. The metapopulation in Mukurthi National Park, Nilgiris, was estimated at 282 individuals with a density of 4 per sq km, while Grass Hills in Anamalai Tiger Reserve recorded 334 individuals with a high density of 10 per sq km. Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park remains the single largest subpopulation site with 841 Tahrs.
Yet conservationists warn the overall increase hides a deeper crisis, which is habitat fragmentation. The survey found that many populations remain isolated and fall well below the 50-individual survival threshold. Only nine Tahrs were recorded in Coimbatore, 13 in Kodaikanal, 8-14 in Nellai wildlife sanctuary, 67 in Srivilliputhur, and 27 in Kanniyakumari. Megamalai saw a sharp drop from 118 individuals in 2024 to 87 in 2025, likely due to habitat degradation.
Encouragingly, there were signs of recolonisation. Nilgiri Tahrs were sighted in Chinnattumalai (Coimbatore) after over a decade, and pellet evidence was found in Mangaladevi (Megamalai). A new sighting in Peyar Varaiyattumottai in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve marked the species’ presence at a record low elevation of 270 metres.
Officials said 14 subpopulations were identified in TN and six in Kerala, many of which are highly vulnerable due to invasive species, livestock grazing, and pilgrimage pressures. A block-wise threat assessment conducted for the first time highlighted habitat loss, fragmentation, and fire risk as key threats.
Officials say focus must now shift to reviving and reconnecting the 687 Tahrs in isolated habitats to prevent local extinctions. To stabilise fragmented populations, the government has constituted a scientific committee led by the Chief Wildlife Warden.
This committee will meet regularly to advise on the technical aspects of Project Nilgiri Tahr, including surveys, radio collaring, tranquilisation, monitoring and the reintroduction of the Tahr,” Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department, told TNIE.
Habitat restoration and corridor development are under way as part of the project. “We have identified a patch of 35 hectares near Kolaribetta in the Nilgiris, the highest elevation habitat. Invasive species have been cleared and native grasslands are regenerating.
This patch connects the isolated Kolaribetta population with Mukurthi’s metapopulation. Once the corridor is fully restored, the small herd in Kolaribetta can grow,” said M G Ganesan, project director, Project Nilgiri Tahr.