The survival rate of newly born Nilgiri tahrs (up to one year) is found to be the highest at Rajamala in the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) than in other isolated natural habitats such as Pothady, Njandalmala, Kambakallu, Kundala, Sankumala, Meesapulimala, Silent Valley, Chokkanadumala, Muhanmudi and Varayattumudi in Munnar.
As per an elaborate census of Nilgiri tahr conducted in Munnar from April 18 to 23, its population is 1,039, including 157 newborns. In the past two years, the survey was limited only to the ENP due to COVID-19.
Job J. Neriamparambil, assistant wildlife warden, ENP, told The Hindu that the average survival rate of Nilgir tahr at Rajamala, inside the ENP, is 15% to 18%, while it is 4% in isolated habitats in the larger Munnar landscape.
