Nilgiri Tahr

Scientific Name: Hemedragus hylocrius

Subspecies: None.

Distribution: India: The Nilgiri Mountains, the Anamalai Mountains, the Palani- and Highwavi Mountains, in the Eraviculum area and the western Gats Mountains.

Habitat: Mountain forests and hilly regions with open grassland in elevations between 1.200 and 1.600 meters.

Description: Medium sized animal weighing up to 100 kg and measuring up to 1 meter over the shoulder. It may reach a total body length of 1,20 m without tail (10 cm). General colour blackish brown with lighter patches on the neck and shoulders and partly on the back. The face is blackish brown with whitish indistinct markings. The horns are similar to those of other Tahr.

Hunting method: Formerly stalking. Today the animal is totally protected by law.