Nilgiri Tahr - Studies

Studies

Several studies have occurred about Nilgiri tahr across the last three decade. But the best known and one of the earliest was the two and half year long research at Eravikulam National park in Kerala by Dr. Clifford G. Rice of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and his Indian colleague M.C. Philip in the late Seventies. Dr. Rice, then a graduate student at the Texas A & M University and a fellow with the American Institute of Indian studies, conducted extensive studies and data collection on tahr herds in Eravikulam. He spent months with the herd and habituated them to his constant presence. This helped him to extensively photograph the animals and color collar about 50 females. The focus of his study was tahr behaviour, their social hierarchy and mating rituals.

Other notable studies on tahr include research works by E.R.C Davidar, who conducted the first census of tahr in India and papers published by noted Biologist George Schaller, an expert on field work techniques. Inspired by Davidar's work, Schaller visited Nilgiris and the duo collaborated for sometime. Schaller, in his book, 'The Stones of Silence', pays tribute to Davidar's efforts in saving the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.