Chennai, Apr 24: A wildlife survey focusing on the endangered Nilgiri tahr has commenced in the forest areas of Anaimalai near Pollachi, as part of ongoing conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu. The exercise is being carried out in regions falling under the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, covering key forest ranges such as Pollachi, Valparai, Top Slip, and Manambolly.
Forest officials stated that the survey aims to estimate the population and monitor the habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, which is the State animal of Tamil Nadu. The exercise is being conducted using modern techniques, including binocular observation, along with tracking footprints, droppings, and other field signs to ensure accurate counting in difficult mountainous terrain.
The initiative is part of a broader conservation programme supported by the State government to protect and increase the population of the species. Surveys are typically conducted in phases across multiple locations, and this latest effort in the Anaimalai–Pollachi region highlights the continued focus on preserving biodiversity in the Western Ghats, one of India’s most ecologically sensitive zones.