Tamil Nadu Forest Department launches inaugural synchronized research on the state animal, the Nilgiri Tahr

The Tamil Nadu forest department has conducted the first-ever synchronized Nilgiri Tahr survey and the data is likely to be made available within three weeks, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forests Supriya Sahu said on Friday.

The Nilgiri Tahr, locally known as ‘Varai Aadu’, is the state animal. This endangered species is endemic to the Western Ghats and is known for its gravity-defying skills in climbing steep cliffs. ”The first ever Nilgiri Tahr Synchronized Survey by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department was successfully completed on May 1,” Sahu said. “Survey teams from 138 blocks include 700 members from 13 forest divisions and 100 forest areas,” she said in a post on social media platform

Debriefing and data collection took place, she said, thanking the experts from IUCN, WII and WWF for their sincere support and cooperation.

”A big shout out to the team members including forest staff, researchers, experts and volunteers. Gratitude to Forest Department, Government of Kerala. The survey data will likely be available in three weeks. @tnforestdept @WWFINDIA @wii_india @IUCN #ProjectNilgiriTahr #TNForest,” Sahu further said, posting photos and a video.

In October last year, the Tamil Nadu government launched the Nilgiri Tahr project to conserve the state animal, whose presence signifies the richness of biodiversity in the region.

Meanwhile, a team of experts took samples from elephants at Mudumalai in the state to monitor their health parameters. ”This is a routine procedure followed annually to determine their health status,” a senior forest department official told PTI.

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