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Nilgiri tahr
A stocky mountain ungulate found only in the high Western Ghats.
How to recognise it
At Rajamala the animals come down to the road and graze within metres of visitors. Adult males, called saddlebacks, are almost black with a pale saddle across the back and heavy curved horns.
Protection
Schedule I, Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
Where to see it
Munnar
The state animal of Tamil Nadu, although its largest population is on the Kerala side. Eravikulam National Park holds the single largest population: 841 animals in the April 2025 count. A joint Kerala-Tamil Nadu survey in April 2025 put the two-state total at roughly 2,655 to 2,668 animals; sources differ slightly on the Kerala figure.
Eravikulam National Park
Ooty & Coonoor
A joint Tamil Nadu and Kerala survey in April 2025 counted roughly 2,655 to 2,668 tahr across both states, with Tamil Nadu's share rising about 21 per cent year on year. The Nilgiri Tahr Project was launched in 2022.
Avalanche & Emerald Lakes (Eco-Safari)