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 tahr, Nilgiritragus 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.
Here is what Wikipedia tells us about the species: The Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiritragus 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.
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| A Tahr @ Eravikulam National Park |
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| Scratching the Head |
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| Grass is always greener on the other side... |
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| Majestic - head held high |
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| Khujli hein bhai Khujli hein... |
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| Mom and Kid - Picture Perfect |
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| Loved the look.. |
I am also experiencing an enchanting journey to Eravikulam National Park by watching these photographs... Really You deserve an appreciation...
ReplyDeleteGK.
Thank you GK Sir! I am glad to know that you loved the snaps. We had once gone there and couldn't spot even a single Tahr. This time, there were herds of them- amply compensated for the last time.
DeleteThe disappointment was huge then... So I thought I would share the pics for the benefit of those who have not been able to see them in person... My efforts have been rewarded.
Regards,
Nisha
Nisha, fine fotos.
ReplyDeleteI have seen them not in the park, but at their natural habitat, wandering without fear, enjoying their freedom. It was three decades before, no it was in 1978 to be precise in Munnar hills. You reminded me of those days
Ajith,
DeleteGlad that I could bring back few good memories to you... These snaps are also from the Rajamala Hills of Munnar. It is now known as Eravikulam National Park.
Other than that, the things are all same, I think. Yes, there were a few 'stupid' visitors who tried to touch the animal and disturb them. A fellow almost got kicked by a big animal...
Thankfully, most other visitors were well behaved...
Regds,
Nisha
Nice photos. Something has to be done to save the endangered species, including Nilgiri Tahrs. I also had seen them at Rajamala Hills, Munnar. It was about seven years back.
ReplyDeleteThank you Abhinav!
DeleteThe joy that we experience by merely seeing them is boundless... the least we can do is to help them survive...
regds
Nisha
Interesting and needful info...
ReplyDeletethere will be a social initiative to save these animals
your photos also good
thanks nisha
Glad to know that you liked the snaps. Thanks Krishna!
DeleteNice photos..
ReplyDeleteThanks Arun!
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