Nilgiri Tahr Day 2026
Nilgiri Tahr Day 2026 is observed on October 7 in Tamil Nadu. Learn about the Nilgiri tahr, its habitat, conservation, importance and key facts for TNPSC exams.
Nilgiri Tahr Day 2026
- Nilgiri Tahr Day (வரையாடு தினம்) is observed annually on October 7.
- It was designated by the Government of Tamil Nadu to raise awareness and promote conservation of Tamil Nadu’s state animal.
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Nilgiri Tahr Day – Exam-Oriented Notes
- Observed on = 7 October every year.
- First observed = 7 October 2023 in Tamil Nadu.
- Declared by = Government of Tamil Nadu.
- Reason for choosing 7 October = It is the birth anniversary of E. R. C. Davidar, the renowned wildlife conservationist who pioneered studies of the Nilgiri tahr.
- State animal of Tamil Nadu = Nilgiri Tahr (வரையாடு).
- Scientific name = Nilgiritragus hylocrius.
- Habitat = Mainly the high-altitude grasslands and shola ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
- Conservation status = Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
E.R.C.Davidar – Important for TNPSC
- R. C. Davidar was a pioneer in Nilgiri tahr research and conservation.
- He conducted the first census of Nilgiri tahr in the Nilgiris in 1963.
- His 1963 census estimated about 400 tahrs in the Nilgiris.
- In 1975, he conducted a detailed survey across the Western Ghats and estimated about 2,200 individuals.
Project Nilgiri Tahr
- Project Nilgiri Tahr was launched by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2023.
- Major objectives include:
- Population estimation and monitoring
- Habitat conservation
- Shola grassland restoration
- Disease monitoring and treatment
- Reintroduction into suitable historical habitats
- Public awareness and conservation education
Cultural & Literary Mentions (TNPSC / Regional Focus)
- Sangam Literature = The Nilgiri Tahr is mentioned as “வருடை” (Varudai) in classic Sangam Tamil works, notably in சிலப்பதிகாரம் (Silapathikaram) and சீவக சிந்தாமணி (Ceevaka Chinthamani), showcasing its long-standing cultural roots in Tamil country.
- Rock Art = Prehistoric Mesolithic rock art found in Tamil Nadu (e.g., in the Nilgiris) depicts ancient human coexistence with the Tahr.
- Anatomy Fact = Adult breeding males develop a distinctive light-grey patch on their backs and are commonly known as “Saddlebacks”.
- Nilgiri Tahr Day 2026
Tamil Nadu – State Symbols
- State Animal = Nilgiri Tahr (வரையாடு)
- State Tree = Palmyra Palm (பனை மரம்)
- State Flower = Gloriosa Lily / Flame Lily (செங்காந்தள்)
- State Bird = Emerald Dove (மரகதப்புறா)
- State Butterfly = Tamil Yeoman (தமிழ் மறவன்)
- State Emblem = Srivilliputhur Andal Temple Gopuram
- State Song = Tamil Thai Vazhthu
- State Dance = Bharatanatyam