Why in news.
Kerala and Tamil nadu government join hands to count Nilgiri Tahr.
Government of Tamil Nadu(T.N) launched Project Nilgiri Tahr in 2023.
This Project is in the time span of 2023 – 2027.Project aimed at developing a better understanding of the population, distribution and ecology of the endangered species.
Its is the T.N state animal.
The officials says, this would be the first comprehensive, exclusive census for Niligiri Tahr.
There will be 2 round census. 1st is in noverber and 2nd is in April or may 2024.
This a joined activity of Kerala and T.N government.
IUCN Status: Endangered and is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972
Nilgiri Tahr is also known as Nilgiri Ibex.
It has been listed as “Endangered” by IUCN.
It has been listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which provides absolute protection and offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties
The Adult males of Nilgiri Tahr species develop a light grey area or “saddle” on their backs and are hence called “Saddlebacks”
It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
It is found in open montane grassland habitat of rain forests ecoregion.
It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats
Threats:
Habitat loss (mainly from domestic livestock and spread of invasive plants)
Poaching,
Populations of these animals are small and isolated, making them vulnerable to local extinction,
Climate Change
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
LSD is caused by infection of cattle or water buffalo with the poxvirus Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).
Now it also seen in Nilgiri Tahr
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The mortality rate is less than 10%.
Lumpy skin disease was first seen as an epidemic in Zambia in 1929. Initially, it was thought to be the result of either poisoning or hypersensitivity to insect bites.
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