Q.74 The hill ranges of Western Ghats of India are rich in biodiversity with tropical evergreen and rain forests.
The flora and fauna are unique to the place. Many animal species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are endemic to this region.
Many bright-coloured frogs are discovered from this region. We must preserve our biodiversity from pollution, human greed, habitat destruction for our future generations.
Based on the above context, answer the following questions:
- Endangered species
- Critically endangered species
- Vulnerable species
- Least concern
Nilgiri Tahr is an Endangered species.
The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), endemic to Western Ghats shola-grassland ecosystems, maintains IUCN Endangered status despite population recovery to ~3,000 individuals through sustained conservation, reflecting ongoing habitat threats.
Option Analysis
Endangered species
IUCN Red List Endangered (EN) criterion met: population ~2,500-3,500 mature individuals across fragmented range (<20,000 km² Extent of Occurrence, continuing decline from habitat loss). Schedule I Wildlife Protection Act. Correct.Critically endangered species
CR requires <250 mature individuals or >90% decline in 3 generations. Nilgiri Tahr exceeds thresholds (~21% population rise 2023-2025 census). Incorrect.Vulnerable species
VU threshold: 1,000-10,000 mature individuals with plausible future decline. Nilgiri Tahr’s extreme range restriction, invasive species invasion, and poaching justify higher EN category. Incorrect.Least concern
LC for populations with no threats/decline. Nilgiri Tahr faces plantation expansion, invasive wattle/eucalyptus, dams fragmenting Anamalai-Palni corridor. Incorrect.Nilgiri Tahr is an Endangered species uniquely adapted to high-altitude (1,200-2,600m) shola-grassland mosaics of southern Western Ghats, serving as keystone grazer maintaining ecosystem health through grazing-mediated nutrient cycling.
Population Status and Recovery
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2025 Census: 2,668 individuals (1,365 Kerala, 1,303 Tamil Nadu)—21% rise from 2023
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Eravikulam NP: ~841 individuals (largest stronghold, 90% Kerala population)
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Historical decline: ~100,000 (1900) → ~1,000 (1970s) due to grasslands conversion
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Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022-27): Tamil Nadu flagship—radio-collaring, reintroduction, invasive clearance
IUCN Endangered Criteria Met
A2bc+3bc: Observed/projected decline due to habitat loss (invasive plantations), fragmentation (hydropower), poaching. Extent of Occurrence: ~15,000 km². Area of Occupancy: <2,000 km² fragmented.
Conservation Threats and Interventions
Threat Impact Mitigation Invasive wattle/eucalyptus Grassland replacement Mechanical clearance, controlled burning Tea/coffee plantations Altitudinal corridor block Habitat connectivity restoration Livestock competition/disease Forage depletion, brucellosis Seasonal grazing exclusion Predation (leopard/dhole) Fawn mortality Population monitoring Protected Areas: Eravikulam, Mukurthi, Anamalai, Silent Valley, Palani Hills, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Sanctuary. Tamil Nadu celebrates Nilgiri Tahr Day (Oct 7) honoring conservationist E.R.C. Davidar.
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