Why is it in the News?

The Eravikulam National Park (ENP), the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr, will be closed for the calving season of the species from February 1 to March 31.

About Eravikulam National Park:

• Eravikulam National Park also known as Rajamala National Park, is located in Kerala's Idukki district.
• The park is administered under the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department and became a National park in 1978.
• It is a 97 km2 national park located along the Western Ghats, Kerala.
  • Anamudi, the highest peak in south India was located on the southern side of the park.
• This is also the land of "Neelakurinji", a flower that blooms once in twelve years.
• Wildlife in the Park: The park holds the maximum viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr including other little-known fauna Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel etc.
• Flora: Important flora includes Microtropis ramiflora, Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji) etc.
• Mostly the park is busted with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley.
• The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii.
• The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is seen in this park.

Key Facts about Nilgiri Tahr:

• Nilgiri Tahr is a rare mountain animal found only in the southern part of the Western Ghats.
• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
• Local Name: Varayaadu
• They are famous for their ability to climb steep cliffs, which has earned them the nickname Mountain Monarch.
• It is the official state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Distribution: Nilgiri Tahrs are mainly found in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering only about 5% of the Western Ghats.
• Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is home to the largest population of Nilgiri Tahrs.
• Habitat: They live in open grasslands at elevations between 1200 and 2600 meters in the South Western Ghats.
• Characteristics: Nilgiri Tahrs have a sturdy body with short, coarse fur and a rough mane.
  • Both males and females have curved horns, with males having larger horns, up to 40 cm long.
  • Adult males have a light grey area on their backs, known as a 'saddle,' hence the name 'saddlebacks.'
  • They have a short grey-brown or dark coat.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • Protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I