STUDIES ON THE PRESENT STATUS OF ENDANGERED NILGIRI TAHR (HEMITRAGUS HYLOCRIUS) IN MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK, NILGIRIS, TAMILNADU, INDIA

The Nilgiri tahr is found mainly in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai’s and then southwards at elevations of 4000-8000 feet (Prater, 1965). Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius) belongs to the family Bovidae. Uncontrolled hunting and conversion of habitat to plantations and human related pressure have resulted in the decline of the population (Schaller, 1977). This study was undertaken to determine the present population status, structure and distribution of the Nilgiri tahr in the Nilgiris. Each sector was enumerated on to successive days. Population pattern was studied by foot survey. A census was carried out with forest Department. In addition overall population of Nilgiri tahr within the park is decline due to biotic, abiotic and manmade activities. Grouping pattern of Nilgiri tahr primarily based on seasonal influence and individual fitness. It indicated that more Nilgiri tahr in north sector of the park but historically the south sector contains high density. The estimates suggest that predator accounts for almost all mortality experienced by Nilgiri tahr