Climbing Nilgiri Tahr
Nilgiri Tahr climbing an exposed mountain cliff face, Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, India. Anamudi is the the highest peak in south India, standing at a height of 2695m.
About the Nilgiri Tahr:
The Nilgiri Tahr, (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered ungulate in the genus caprid. They are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife protection Act 1972 and categorised as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN.
Nilgiri Tahrs are endemic to the hill ranges of the Western Ghats of India, found in suitable habitat of Montane Grasslands and rugged mountain terrain. It is estimated 800 Tahr inhabit Eravikulam National Park, making it the world’s largest wild population.
Tahr graze regularly throughout the day but are most active in the mornings and evenings, feeding primarily on grasses, shrubs, lichen and fresh shoots of bamboo. The rutting season occurs during monsoon (July and August) with young typically born in January to mid February. Predators of the Tahr in Eravikulam National Park include Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog and Jackal.
You can find more about Nilgiri Tahrs here.