Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Centre Launched

Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Centre - Key Highlights

1. Location and Infrastructure:

   • The Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Centre is to be located on Dr. Nanjappa Road, Coimbatore, covering an area of 50 cents.
   • Planned as a four-storey building featuring:
     • Flora and fauna gallery
     • Mini theatre
     • Biodiversity gallery
     • Diorama gallery
     • Tribal and species gallery
     • Children's play area

2. Project Nilgiri Tahr:

   • Launched in 2023, aimed at conserving Tamil Nadu's State animal, the Nilgiri tahr.
   • Envisions integrating research, monitoring, and conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu.

3. Objective and Functionality:

   • The centre aims to facilitate evidence-based conservation planning and long-term ecological stewardship.
   • Designed to enhance public awareness about the Nilgiri tahr, bridging conservation efforts and community engagement.
   • The facility will also transform complex conservation activities into accessible knowledge for students and citizens.

4. Institutional Framework:

   • The Project Nilgiri Tahr team is currently based in the Forest Department of north Coimbatore, comprising:
     • Project Director: S. Senbagapriya
     • Assistant Director: K. Ganeshram
     • Includes a project scientist and four senior research fellows.
   • Activities coordinated with 14 forest divisions in Tamil Nadu that house Nilgiri tahr populations.

5. Key Individuals Present:

   • Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone.
   • Notable attendees included Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P. Rajkumar, Mayor K. Ranganayaki, and Chief Conservator of Forests D. Venkatesh.

6. Conservation Significance:

   • The Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat species endemic to the Western Ghats, is critical to the region’s biodiversity.
   • Conservation activities will focus on populations management, habitat restoration, and community education to ensure the species' survival amidst environmental challenges.

This initiative aligns with India’s broader conservation strategies and reinforces commitments towards preserving biodiversity as part of sustainable development and ecological balance.