CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

The three-day synchronised Nilgiritahr survey began recently, with the focus on identifying small isolated populations, which are on the verge of local extinction.

• The Nilgiritahr is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Habitat: A few scattered habitat patches within Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Historically they were present in much of the Western Ghats.
  • The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the species.
• Conservation Status: Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.