What is New 

12th January 2012

Genetic monitoring for managers

Genetic monitoring is increasingly being used to understand and respond to invasive species, habitat degradation, fragmentation, disease, or climate-related changes. Many wildlife mangers are flummoxed by the jargon and methodologies of genetic monitoring

Many mangers have requested me to suggest a site that might come in handy to resolve their dilemma.

To aid managers and researchers with limited genetics experience,  researchers   Jeff B. Stetz, Katherine C. Kendall and Christina D. Vojta have developed a web-based resource to help them identify which, if any, molecular genetic methods would be appropriate for population assessments or monitoring. 

  Click HERE to access the site

1st January 2012

Best wishes for your conservation mission during the year 2012

21st December 2011

Managing the soundscapes in wildlife reserves

Our wildlife reserves are increasingly becoming noisy. Noise pollution by tourists is causing lot of problems for wildlife. It is imperative to mange the soundscapes in wildlife reserves on scientific basis. I recommend the following paper as compulsory reading by wildlife mangers.

To read a review of the paper in my blog click HERE

10th December 2011

Here is a paper that would be of great interest to those engaged in the conservation efforts of wild goats and sheep.

Translating Effects of Inbreeding Depression on Component Vital Rates to Overall Population Growth in Endangered Bighorn Sheep

HEATHER E. JOHNSON,L. SCOTT MILLS,JOHN D. WEHAUSEN,THOMAS R. STEPHENSON,GORDON LUIKART

Conservation Biology, Volume 25,pages 1240-1249,December 2011

To read a review of the paper in my blog click HERE

4th December 2011

Here is a chance to read some excellent papers on rainforest conservation for free

Till December 31^st Royal Society is offering a special theme issue of its Philosophical Transaction B journal on rainforest conservation for free. The special them issue isentitled 'The future of Southeast Asian rainforests in a changing landscape and climate'.

Click HERE to go to the site

Ist October 2011

International Year of Forests Bibliography 

Here is a great opportunity to read some excellent papers 

As part of a celebration of the International Year of Forests, publishers Taylor & Francis and Routledg.have compiled a collection of articles entitled “Celebrating Forests for People.” This collection of articles includes more than 70 online, full-text articles from more than 50 journals. These are available for free to anyone, worldwide.

The full bibliography, with links to individual articles, is available here

19th September 2011

Nilgiri tahr taxonomy - Slight change in original citation

After careful perusal of old records Dr C.P Shaji and Dr P.S Easa has communicated to us that the original citation should read as "Proceedings of the general meetings for scientific business of the Zoological Society of London.1837 V: 81"  instead of  "Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1837:81 [1838]". We have made necessary changes in the taxonomy page. We thank Dr Easa and Dr Shaji.

30th August 2011

Genes and the decline of populations

It is the common belief that lack of genetic diversity spells doom for animal populations.

Here is a piece of research from Spain that bucks the trend. Research done on DNA found in fosil bones of  Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), have shown that the Iberian lynx has had low genetic diversity, for at least 50,000 yeras. 

The total population of Lynx is 300 individuals in two isolated areas in Spain. The researchers say the genes need not be blamed for the decline in populations. Habitat destruction and decline of its  main prey, the European rabbit are the main cause of decline.

The researchers underline the fact that what is needed is the political will to enforce strong conservation measures.

We have a lesson for Nilgiri tahr here. The isolated populations of Nilgiri tahr have always been  a source of mystery. How they manage to survive has baffled the scientists. The hypothesis is that occasional males from outside do join the isolated herds once in a while. The new research has added a new dimension to the whole conservation scenario.

In the case of Nilgiri tahr also the main villain is habitat destruction, degradation of habitat quality and poaching. What is needed is strong conservation measures in the field. Political will is a must if this is to take off.

Journal Reference:

Ricardo Rodríguez, Oscar Ramírez, Cristina E. Valdiosera, Nuria García, Fernando Alda, Joan Madurell-Malapeira, Josep Marmi, Ignacio Doadrio, Eske Willerslev, Anders Götherström, Juan Luis Arsuaga, Mark G. Thomas, Carles Lalueza-Fox, Love Dalén. 50,000 years of genetic uniformity in the critically endangered Iberian lynx.Molecular Ecology

3rd August 2011

Wildlife wardens of Nilgiri tahr areas - your attention please

Census techniques presently followed to estimate Nilgiri tahr populations are not fool proof. There is lot of bias. To increase the reliability here is a methodology that you should go in for. This methodology used by researchers KIM G. POOLE, DARRYL M. REYNOLDS, GARTH MOWAT and DAVID PAETKAU is very useful and can be tried in Nilgiri tahr areas.

Non-invasive collection of tissue samples to obtain DNA for microsatellite genotyping required to estimate population size has been used for many wildlife species but it is rarely that it has been used for ungulates.

The researchers estimated mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) population size on a mountain complex in southwestern British Columbia by identification of individuals using DNA obtained from fecal pellet and hair samples collected during 3 sampling sessions. They identified 55 individuals from 170 samples that were successfully genotyped,and estimated a population of 77 mountain goats (SE ¼ 7.4). Mean capture probability was 0.38(SE ¼ 0.037) per session.

The researchers say their technique provides one of the first statistically rigorous estimates of abundance of an ungulate species using DNA derived primarily from fecal pellets. The technique enables managers to obtain minimum counts or population estimates of ungulates in areas of low sightability. It could prove very useful for conservation and management of Nilgiri tahr.

Estimating Mountain Goat Abundance Using DNA from Fecal Pellets

KIM G. POOLE, DARRYL M. REYNOLDS, GARTH MOWAT and DAVID PAETKAU

The Journal of Wildlife Management 75(6):1527–1534; 2011; DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.184

  1st March 2011

Urgent need to study the possibility of genetic bottleneck in Nilgiri tahr

The latest reports about Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), from a team of scientists from Russia, Spain and Germany, appearing in the latest issue of journal Mammalian Biology is really worrying. It has resonance for Nilgiri tahr conservation also

The researchers say the Amur tigers have been reduced to an effective population of fewer than 14 animals. Approximately 500 Amur tigers live in the wild, but the effective population is a measure of the genetic diversity of the Amur tiger.

Genetic bottleneck during the tigers' recent history has been brought out by the research.  Mode shift in allele frequencies tests were positive, while the M-ratio test was negative, indicating the likelihood of a contemporary rather than a historical population bottleneck.   This translates in to a situation where any vulnerability to disease or rare genetic disorders is likely to be passed on to the next generation. A more genetically diverse population of animals has a much better chance of survival. The research highlights the fact that detection of genetic bottleneck signatures in wildlife species is highly relevant for conservation. 

50% of the total Nilgiri tahr population is small and fragmented. The need to study the possibility of genetic erosion is very germane here. Let us clearly understand whether there is any genetic bottleneck.

We exhort the forest departments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to go in for a detailed study immediately. At stake is the future of Nilgir tahr.

  1st February 2011

Routine Closure of Eravikulam National Park

It is birth season for Nilgiri tahr. To facilitate safe parturition the park will remain closed to visitors for one month.

1st January 2011

Best Wishes

2011 is the international year of forests.  The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. 

The UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) have joined together to celebrate the Year of the Bat. 

Best wishes for your conservation mission during the year 2011.

5th December 2010

 Fewer than 50 Arabian tahrs remain in the wild in the UAE.

Information received from my friends from UAE reveals that fewer than 50 Arabian tahrs remain in the wild in the UAE. UAE's tahrs are concentrated in the mountains of Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Poaching is a big problem. My friends narrate the story of one Ali al Shehhi which was published in The National. When Ali al Shehhi’s son got engaged, the bride's family brought in a special delicacy to celebrate. Guess what? Meat of Arabian tahr with rice.  National reports that Ali al Shehhi's ancestors had hunted the tahr in the mountains of Ras al Khaimah for generations. The light at the end of the tunnel is that Mr al Shehhi is now penitent. He says he never knew about the endangered status of the animal. He has vowed never to hunt them again. This brings in to light the urgent need for dissemination of information about Arabian tahrs and the need for community participation in conservation.

As the numbers have declined in the UAE, they are now poached in Oman. They are sold on the black market for as much as Dh120, 000 a pair. Omani authorities have realized the lurking danger and have stepped up protection. The personal interest of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is sure to give a big boost to their protection.  Conservationists are pinning lot of hope on Oman.

29th November 2010

Oman-Wadi Al Sareen to get more protection

My friends in Oman tells me that, Wadi Al Sareen, 45km southwest of Muscat in the Eastern Hajar Mountains, the premier Arabian tar habitat in Oman, will get more protection with the implementation of the new management plan. Proper demarcation which is lacking now will be implemented. All future development works of the area will be weighed against impact on wildlife before they get sanction. The conservation efforts are spearheaded by the personal interest of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The other two populations of Arabian tahr are in Wadi Wurrayah in Emirate of Fujariah and Jebel Hafit near Al Ain ,both in the United Arab Emirates. Wadi Sareen, is the largest of the three protected areas.

12th October 2010

Incidence of Gastro-intestinal parasites in Nilgiri tahr of Eravikulam National Park, Kerala  

Nithin Nandan a fourth year veterinary student of Veterinary College, Trichur has sent me information about incidence Gastro-intestinal parasites in Nilgiri tahr of Eravikulam National Park, Kerala. Nithin and his friends collected the feacal samples of Nilgiri tahr during the Nilgiri tahr census. The feacal samples were examined in the parasitology department of the college for the helminth parasites and the students noticed an incidence of 57.14% among the animals. 

Nilgiritahrinfo urges the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department to examine the data on a war footing and discuss it with veterinary experts.

14th August 2010

Input needed on an endangered Arabian tahr

If you are a vet and have some ideas on helping an endangered Arabian tahr please join the discussion, the link for which is give at the bottom.
This tahr had an implant put in a year ago and has been in a cast since then (changed every 6 weeks). The radiographs are from May and again in July and you can see the distortion occurring.
This animal pound his front feet in mating season and has successfully bred this year and if we can get more seasons out of him it may help save the species to a small degree.
What is needed is an extension of some sort to straighten up the weight bearing.

Click here to join the discussion

27th July 2010

Keen interest shown by wildlife enthusiasts in Nilgiri tahr conservation

It is heartening to see people taking a keen interest in endangered Nilgiri tahr. Vinay Nag, a wildlife enthusiast from Mysore, Karnataka, has reported sightings of two herds of Nilgiri tahr (14 and 9 respectively), from the Upper Palni region between Kukkal Village and Manjampatti Valley on 22^nd July, around 1 pm to 1.30 pm. Vinay here is a big thank you for your interest and sharing your observations with us. 

17th June 2010

Earthwatch Institute research position on the Arabian tahr

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organisation which seeks to engage people worldwide in scientific field research.  They have a Programme with the Sultanate of Oman comprising four research projects, and are currently looking for a scientist to lead the Arabian tahr research, conservation and community project, full time/to fit around current responsibilities. 

Prospective candidates should be a fit and competent rock climber, including free climbing, whilst carrying food and equipment (or identify appropriate alternative methods for surveying tahr), appropriate scientific/environmental doctorate, or equivalent experience, experience conducting own research, preferably at landscape level and involving ecosystems services, publication record in a relevant field, experience of leading and managing applied research and conservation programmes, including financial management, preferably international., good interpersonal and communication skills including public speaking and scientific writing, ability to be aware of local cultural norms and be prepared to fit in with local cultures and traditions, ability to work professionally with colleagues, partner organisations and donors at all levels, demonstrable personal effectiveness in setting standards, reaching solutions and completing tasks for multiple concurrent projects, act under own initiative and also work as a team player; good staff management skills.

  If you wish to apply for the position please send a C.V and covering letter to Earthwatch (rmiller@earthwatch.org.uk) by Thursday 8th July.

5th June 2010

Recovery Plan for Nilgiri tahr gets off the block

A Recovery Plan for Nilgiri tahr prepared by Asia Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Trichur and Care Earth, Chennai, has been submitted to the Tamil Nadu forest department.  The plan was authored by P.S Easa, Mohan Alembath, Ranjit Daniels and James Zacharias.  The comprehensive plan prepared with emphasis on isolated populations, is expected to give a big boost to the conservation efforts of endangered Nilgiri tahr in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As a run up to the plan several previously unknown, isolated small populations, of Nilgiri tahr were identified.

 2nd June 2010

Arabian Tahr in Dire Straits Reports Muscat Daily

Muscat Daily reports in its issue dated 1/06/10 that poaching of endangered Arabian Tahr is on the increase. This is happening in spite of the stringent measures taken by Omani Government for the protection of Arabian Tahr.

Last month Omani Environment ministry officials had, with the help of the Omani Police, foiled an attempt by the smugglers to smuggle out of the country an Arabian Tahr. This is the 5^th incident since May 2009.

Conservationists’ are advocating increased community participation, in the conservation efforts of Arabian Tahr, to check the menace of poaching.

24th April 2010

E.R.C. Davidar

E.R.C. Davidar who passed away earlier this month was a pioneer in Nilgiri tahr studies. His detailed census of Nilgiri tahr done in 1975 and published in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Association brought to light the plight of these animals. We owe a lot to him for his painstakingly done surveys. He will be remembered for a long, long time for his contribution to Nilgiri tahr conservation. Theodore Bhaskran has written a good piece on him in tody’s  “HIndu “. Read it here

1^st February 2010

Eravikulam National Park Closed to Visitors for 45 Days

It is parturition time for Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam. Frolicking kids have started appearing. The park will now remain closed to visitors for 45 days, to prevent any disturbance to the animals. Special protection measures have been put in place by the park authorities.

1^st January 2010

Best wishes

2010 is the international year of biodiversity. Best wishes for your conservation mission during the year 2010.

15^th November 2009

  5th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates- A Roaring Success

The just ended 5^th world conference on mountain ungulates was a runaway success. Delegates from across the world made the conference a roaring success.

The conference authorities had ceaselessly worked to raise funds for bringing promising researchers from developing countries. The entire expenses were borne by the organizers.

The conference is bound to give a new impetus to mountain ungulate conservation.

We at the Nilgiritahrinfo are very pleased with the success of the conference and take this opportunity to pay encomium to the organizers.  

27th September 2009

5th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates-Preparations on Schedule

Preparations for the conference are going right on schedule. The response so far has been overwhelming.

The organizing committee is working very hard to make the conference a resounding success.

We at the Nilgiritahrinfo are very sure that this conference will be memorable one. Hats off to the organizing committee for their tireless efforts

15th  August 2009

Tamil Nadu moots conservation action plan for Nilgiri Tahr

Tamil Nadu forest department is coming out with an action plan for the conservation of endangered  Nilgiri Tahr. Asia Biodiversity Conservation Trust has been entrusted with the preparation of the plan under the species recovery programme. Associate organization for the work is Care Earth, Chennai.

Environmentalists all over India have welcomed the initiative shown by Tamil Nadu for the conservation of Nilgiri Tahr.

1st May 2009

Royal Protection for Arabian Tahr

United Arab Emirates has established the Wadi Wurayah Fujairah, home to the endangered Arabian tahr as the country's first protected mountain area. Wadi Wurayah Fujairah is a 129 km-square catchment.  His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, issued a decree this week that officially establishesdthe Wadi's protected status. Apart from Arabian tahr, presence of 11 other species of mammals, 73 species of birds, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians,  one species of fish and 74 invertebrate families have been recorded from the area. More than 300 species of plants have also been recorded in the area. Under the new proposed protection plan reviewed by the royal court, management inputs will be updated. More park rangers will be deployed to patrol the area. A nature education scheme will be implemented to educate visitors. Visitors will also be fined for leaving litter behind, polluting the water and painting graffiti.

We at the Nilgiritahrinfo salutes all the people who have worked tirelessly to make this dream come true.

10th March 2009

5th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates

7th March 2009

General Douglas Hamilton

General Douglas Hamilton (8 April 1818 – 20 January1892) was a British Indian Army officer, gazetted to the 21st Regiment of the Madras Native Infantry from 1837 to 1871. He is a legend in the Tahrcountry Highranges. Marcus Sherman has uploaded to Wikipedia all the information he has collected about this pioneering officer. Have a look at it. Follow the link. If it does not work paste it in your browser

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Hamilton

15th February 2009

Dr Marco Festa-Bianchet re-nominated Chair CSG

Dr.Marco Festa-Bianchet has been re-nominated as Chairman Of Caprinae Specialist group of SSC of IUCN. The chairman is planning a complete revamp of the CSG ahead of the 5th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates. We wish him a fruitful term as Chair of CSG

 29th December 2008

Have a look at Dr Clifford G Rice's work on Mountain Goats of Washington available  at http://tinyurl.com/MtnGoat.

5th October 2008

Dr Clifford G Rice has posted his publications on Nilgiri tahr on the web. It can be accessed at

http://home.comcast.net/~cefprice/tahrpubs/Nilgiri_tahr_publications.htm

 9th July 2008

5th World Congress on Mountain Ungulates

The world congress on Mountain Ungulates is an event eagerly awaited by Caprinae wildlife biologists and wildlife mangers. Here is good news. The 1^st announcement regarding the 5^th conference is out. It will be held in Andalucia, Spain, from November 10^th to 13th 2009, with a full-day excursion on the 14th.Details will be posted on CSG website soon.

8th May 2008

New Papers by Mr E. Kunhikrishnan 

Mr KunhiKrishnan has sent us two new papers on Shola and grasslands. 

Please look it up under Shola Forests

New

Distribution and status of the endangered Nilgiri tahr

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 94, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2008

R. J. RANJIT DANIELS

P. S. EASA

MOHAN ALEMBATH

The Chennai edition of The Hindu dated 24 November 2007 carried an article on  conservation breeding of endangered mammals. The proposed conservation initiative of the Government of India targets a few species of mammals, including the Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), that are endemic to the Western Ghats. The article suggests that the population size of the Nilgiri tahr presently stands at3500 and reintroduction of captive-bred animals will improve the conservation status of the species.

  The article has certainly reiterated the need for more dedicated conservation efforts on less charismatic species like the Nilgiri tahr. Nevertheless, we contend that both the estimated population size and the proposed conservation strategy presented therein are rather unrealistic.The reasons for our skepticism are presented here.

One of the recent checklists of the world’s extant mammals includes 34species1 of caprine ungulates (goats, sheep  and allies). And among the extant caprine ungulates, the Nilgiri tahr has the unique distinction of being the only species that is endemic to tropicalmountains2. The Nilgiri tahr is one of the three species known in the genus Hemitragus.While it is generally accepted that the three species of tahr are the descendants of an extinct Eurasian ancestor2, some biologists believe that the Arabian, Himalayan and Nilgiri tahrs have had varied ancestry and that the Nilgiri tahr shouldbe placed in an endemic monotypic genus,Nilgiritragus3. In spite of the taxonomic uncertainties and debates, the fact that he Nilgiri tahr is a Pleistocene relic inthe Western Ghats2 enhances its conservation value.

During the year 2006, the Wildlife Trust of India (New Delhi) sponsored a short-term survey of the Nilgiri tahr4. Although the duration was only four months, (May–August), the study had several merits. To begin with, it is noteworthy that the 2006survey was the first attempt that was made to assess the habitat, distribution and population size of the Nilgiri tahr over its entire range after a gap of over two decades. Further, with the cooperation andsupport of the Forest Departments ofTamil Nadu and Kerala, the study provided us opportunities to visit some remote localities where there have not beenany recent surveys made (Care Earth and Wildlife Trust of India, unpublished).

The key finding of our recent study is that the population size of the Nilgiri tahr may not be more than 2000 at present(Care Earth and Wildlife Trust of India,unpublished). An analysis of census data for four decades, beginning in 1969,available for Eravikulam National Park,Mukurthi National Park and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, has suggested that the number of Nilgiritahrs has fluctuated considerably even where the species has enjoyed 75–100years of protection. The discernable trendhas only pointed to population decline in two out of three of the dedicated Nilgiritahr conservation areas4. The primaryr easons for the decline in the number of Nilgiri tahrs are loss of habitat and hunting (Care Earth and Wildlife Trust of India, unpublished).

Historical information available of the geographical range, population size and distribution has suggested that the Nilgiritahr occurred in mid and high elevation hills of southwestern Karnataka, western Tamil Nadu and Kerala2. Over this 400 km range in the southern Western Ghats, there may have been 50,000–100,000Nilgiri tahrs at the time that the Britishinvaded the region. This estimate has been made taking into consideration early reports that in the Palani Hills landscape alone there was a population of 25,000–30,000 (Care Earth and Wildlife Trust ofIndia, unpublished). Hunting and habitat loss soon decimated the Nilgiri tahr that by the turn of the twentieth century the species was on the brink of extinction2.

While it is remarkable that in 100years the population of the tahr has recovered pattern and population trends do not suggest that the species is doing well. For, at present, the Nilgiri tahr is known only from 50 to 60 localities that are distributed over six high elevation landscapes in the Western Ghats of TamilNadu and Kerala, wherein local populations are often in the form of single herds of not more than 10 individuals (CareEarth and Wildlife Trust of India, unpublished). Small and isolated populations of the tahr found throughout the six landscapes are indication that despite fragmentation, degradation and pressures of Poaching, the existing habitats continueto support the species. As much of the available information on the Nilgiri tahr has come from studies that were confined to a few easily accessible localities and familiar populations, little is known about the survival strategies that the species adopts, in isolation, outside the conservation areas.

In the absence of more detailed studies that shed light on the dynamics, including patterns of migration (if any) of the’ marginal’ populations, and the availability and suitability of habitats, attempts to breed and reintroduce the Nilgiri tahr will be premature. Unless dedicated efforts are made to control poaching and improve the extent and quality of habitat, reintroduced animals are unlikely to survive. A conservation strategy that lays emphasis on improving habitat extent and quality, such that the connectivity between marginal and core populations is reestablished within (and possibly between)the landscapes, seems to be the most appropriate intervention at this juncture.

1. Duff, A. and Lawson, A., Mammals of the World: A Checklist, A & C Black, London, 2004.

2. Daniels, R. J. R., The Nilgiri Tahr: An Endemic South Indian Mountain Goat, Macmillan India Ltd, New Delhi, 2006.