Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Nilgiri tahr census begins

The Hindu | April 23, 2013

Initiative by Forest Department will end on April 28

  • 30-member team will cover national park in Munnar
  • Park will be divided into 13 blocks for the purpose
A 30-member team on Monday started the census of Nilgiri tahr in the 97-sq.km. stretch of the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. The census is being held after the two-month breeding season of Nilgiri tahr for which the park was closed. The area inhabited by Nilgiri tahr is divided into 13 blocks for census which will b conducted by environmentalists and officials of the Forest Department. It will conclude on April 28.

Nilgiri tahr is endemic to the Eravikulam National Park of the Western Ghats and is a major attraction for tourists and environmentalists. Since Nilgiri tahr faces threat from carnivorous animals and natural factors, the Forest Department has adopted strict measures for their protection.

A preliminary unofficial survey this season found 47 newborns. An official of the Forest Department said that though the census may not yield an exact figure, it would provide a clear picture of whether there was an increase in their number. This in turn would the authorities help adopt strategies for the animal’s protection.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/nilgiri-tahr-census-begins/article4645893.ece

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