Joint TN-Kerala Nilgiri tahr census begins; population growth expected

COIMBATORE: The third synchronised Nilgiri Tahr Survey 2026 kicked off on Friday, marking a collaborative conservation effort between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala forest departments. The four-day exhaustive census is scheduled to conclude on April 27.In Tamil Nadu, the survey spans 177 strategic locations in 14 forest divisions and 10 districts. High-priority habitats being monitored include the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) and Mukurthi National Park.Teams are employing a hybrid methodology to ensure precision. Beyond traditional direct sightings, experts are utilising drones for aerial surveillance and gathering indirect evidence, such as vegetation samples and pellet samples for laboratory analysis.The scope of the 2026 exercise has also been expanded to monitor animal disturbances and health factors, specifically investigating "lump" symptoms recently reported in certain herds.Conservationists are optimistic about a population surge. Data reveals a steady upward trend: the state's tahr population rose from 1,031 in 2024 to 1,303 in 2025. With a total regional count of 2,668 tahrs (including in TN and Kerala) recorded last year, officials anticipate that the current census will reflect the positive impact of sustained habitat protection.