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Nilgiri Tahr




Photograph by T.N.A. Perumal, F.R.P.S., M.F.I.A.P.

Nilgiri Tahr (Rajamalai, Eravikulam National Park, Kerala)

» SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hemitragus hylocrius
» KANNADA NAME: Bettada Aadu

Nilgiri Tahr live at the lowest altitude of any mountain goat. And like all mountain goats, they are quick, sure-footed and sharp-sighted. Towering cliffs and crags that would be considered inaccessible to most other animals are their natural home. Saved from the brink of extinction, they are now found in fairly large numbers and are relatively tame in parts of South India.

Both males and females have short and wrinkled horns, with a rounded outer surface. Bucks turn a deep black-brown as they age and develop a distinctive, whitish saddle patch on their loins. They live in flocks of 6 or more and sometimes merge into larger herds. For herd-protection, one will stand watch while others sleep. Strangely, they are very conscious of enemies that may approach them from below, but seem unaware of dangers from above.

Description: Average height and weight of male: 39"–42" (100 to 110 cm.) at shoulder; over 200 lb. (90 kg.). Females are smaller. Short, crisp coat is dark yellowish-brown in colour and paler underneath. Does and young bucks are grey. They have a single pair of teats. Lifespan not known.

Distribution: From the Nilgiris to the Annamalais and southwards along the Western Ghats at elevations of 4000’–6000’ (1220-1830 m.).

Natural enemies: Jungle predators like panthers, tigers and wild dogs; disease and man.

Food: Herbivores, they graze early morning and then again at late afternoon. They prefer to rest in the hottest parts of the day.

Breeding habits: In South India rutting season is Aug-Sept. Most kids are born at start of the hot season. A doe normally gives birth to a single kid, though two are not unusual.