Fauna
Mammal

Nilgiri Tahr

Hemitragus hylocrius

Also known as Nilgiri Ibex

Nilgiri tahrs are stocky, sure-footed wild ungulates adapted to the precipitous rocky cliffs and high-altitude montane grasslands of the Western Ghats. Mature males develop a dark brown coat featuring a distinctive silvery saddle patch across their back and heavy, backward-curved horns. Herds navigate steep crags to graze on native grasses while relying on sharp eyesight and piercing alarm calls to detect approaching predators.

EndemicMontane
Nilgiri Tahr reference
Aveek Bandyopadhyay / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyTussock Grasses, Alpine Herbage, Bamboo Shoots
Predators
  • Leopard
  • Dhole
  • Tiger
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, invasive plant species, and illegal poaching
HabitatsMontane grasslands and steep rocky cliffs
Life span12–14 years
Classification
  1. FamilyBovidae
  2. SpeciesHemitragus hylocrius
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Identified by thick curved horns, short brownish coats, and silvery back patches on adult males in high-altitude grasslands.
Support conservation
Keep a respectful distance, stay on established park trails, and never attempt to approach or corner feeding groups.
Responsible observation
  • Trail etiquette: Remain strictly on designated park paths to avoid disrupting feeding herds.
  • Binoculars recommended: Observe from a distance to avoid triggering alarm whistles and scattering the herd.
  • Seasonal viewing: Visit protected sanctuaries after the monsoons when adult males display peak coat coloration.
Related species
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