Context:

A new study has predicted that most of the existing habitats of the NilgiriTahr (species of wild mountain goat) in the Western Ghats will become unsuitable as global warming intensifies.

Study Analysis:

• Historically, the NilgiriTahr was found everywhere in the Western Ghats.
• Currently only 3,000 exist and their habitat is restricted to one-tenth of their original range. And they are found only in the southern Western Ghats in an altitude range of 1,100 meters to 2,600 meters.
• The study suggested that KalakkadMundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and the Peppara, NeyyarSchenduruny, and Srivilliputhur wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and Tamil Nadu will become unsuitable for the Tahr in the future due to climate change.
• It predicted a maximum habitat loss of 61.2 percent, 61.4 percent, and 63 percent for 2030, 2050, and 2080 respectively if emissions did not reduce.
• The study also forewarns that the existing protected area network might not be effective in conserving the Tahr if climate mitigation measures are not adopted in management plans of protected areas.
• The study recommends surveys for improving the condition of existing habitats.

Other Threats:

• Agriculture & aquaculture: Annual & perennial non-timber crops, Livestock farming & ranching.
• Biological resource use: Hunting &trapping terrestrial animals.
• Invasive and other problematic species, alien species, genes & diseases.

NilgiriTahr:

• IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
• Habitat And Ecology: Grassland, Shrubland, Rocky areas (eg. inland cliffs, mountain peaks)
• They are known as Pride of Munnar.
• Found in the tourism zone of the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) near Munnar.