---
title: "Nilgiri Tahr: Endangered Western Ghats Ungulate"
description: "The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu's state animal—a recurring UPSC GS3 conservation case study."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/nilgiri-tahr"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the montane grasslands of the southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Why was the Nilgiri Tahr moved to a new genus?
- What legal protection does the Nilgiri Tahr receive in India?
- Where is the largest population found?
- What is the main threat to the species?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the montane grasslands of the southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

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In October 2023, the Tamil Nadu government launched Project Nilgiri Tahr with a ₹25 crore allocation, declaring 7 October as Nilgiri Tahr Day to coordinate a synchronised census and habitat restoration across the species' range.

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