Friday, June 15, 2012

A Date with the Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri Tahr is an endemic animal found in the Eravikulam National Park (near Munnar in Kerala) in plenty. An endangered species, there were only close to 100 of them. Currently, they number around 2000 and around 1500 of them live in Eravikulam National Park.

Here is what Wikipedia tells us about the species: The Nilgiri tahrNilgiritragus hylocrius, known locally as the Nilgiri ibex or simply ibex, is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Despite its local name, it is more closely related to the sheep of the Ovis genus than the ibex and wild goats of the Capra genus.

On a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, I was fortunate enough to spot quite a few of them. Sharing some snaps here.


A Tahr @ Eravikulam National Park

Scratching the Head

Grass is always greener on the other side...

Majestic - head held high

Khujli hein bhai Khujli hein...

Mom and Kid - Picture Perfect

Loved the look..