Munnar: The preliminary survey report by the forest department at the Eravikulam National Park showed that the population of Nilgiri tahr popularly known as Varayadu has decreased from the previous survey reports. The survey conducted from May 10 to 15 had found only around 700 Nilgiri tahrs here. Wildlife Warden R Lakshmi said that the accurate number will be revealed later.
In the survey conducted in 2018, there were 863 Nilgiri tahrs. However, there is increase in the number of kids here. There are 72 kids while in 2018 it was 69. It is assumed that the floods and the presence of tiger, leopard and other wild animals might have resulted in the low population.
Nilgiri tahr was also found in Meesappulimala, Marayur and Kundala.
Usually, surveys are conducted in the months of April and May. The adverse climatic conditions play spoilsport here. To avoid this, from next year onwards the surveys will be conducted in October, December months.
