Q. With reference to Nilgiri Tahr, sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements::
1.They are also referred to as Mountain Monarch.
2.They find multiple references in the Puranas.
3.It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Nilgiri Tahr is an ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats. It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Nilgiri Tahr are known for their gravity defying skills in climbing steep cliffs. Thats why they are called “Mountain Monarch”.
Statement 2 is incorrect. There are multiple references to Nilgiri Tahr in the Sangam Tamil literature. Two epics — Silappathikaram and Sivakasindamani — mention descriptions of the Nilgiri Tahr and its habitat.
Source: ForumIAS
