Nilgiri Thar and ‘Varudai’ App

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News: Tamil Nadu Forest Department developed the Varudai mobile application for the synchronized Nilgiri Tahr survey conducted from April 24 to 27.

About Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr
Source – TN Government
About 
  • It is a mountain ungulate endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats.
  • It is also known as the Nilgiri Ibex or Varayaadu.
  • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
Scientific Name
  • It’s scientific name is Nilgiritragus hylocrius.
Habitat
  • The species inhabits open montane grasslands and shola forests at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 m.
  • It thrives on grassy slopes and rocky cliffs in the Western Ghats.
Distribution
  • It is distributed across a roughly 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Eravikulam National Park in Kerala supports the highest density and the largest surviving population of the species.
Physical Characteristics
  • The Nilgiri Tahr is a stocky goat with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane.
  • Males are larger and darker than females, and both sexes possess curved horns that are larger in males.
Ecological Significance
  • The Nilgiri Tahr serves as an important prey species for tigers and leopards.
  • It is also an indicator of montane grassland health and coexists with endemic species such as the Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaque.
Threats
  • The species faces threats from habitat loss caused by deforestation, hydroelectric projects, and monoculture plantations.
  • Livestock competition, poaching, and forest fires also affect its survival.
Conservation Status
  • It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

About Varudai App

  • Developed by: The application has been developed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department under Project Nilgiri Tahr.
  • Aim: The app aims to improve the accuracy of Nilgiri Tahr surveys through digital data collection and GPS-based monitoring.
  • Key Aspects:
    • Scientific Data Collection: Forest staff can digitally mark GPS locations and record the distance covered during the survey, which helps in obtaining accurate data.
    • Reduction of Manual Work: The application removes the need to manually record sightings and indirect signs of the Nilgiri Tahr during the census.
    • Important Achievement: This is the first mobile application developed for the survey of any mammalian species in Tamil Nadu.
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