Why in the News?

A joint population census conducted by Kerala and Tamil Nadu has revealed the presence of 2,668 Nilgiri tahrs in the Western Ghats.

Population Census of Nilgiri Tahrs

**About Nilgiri Tahr (*Nilgiritragus hylocrius***):

Endemism: Found only in the Nilgiri Hills and southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India.
Ecological Role: Key grazer in the montane grassland ecosystem, influencing plant growth and grassland regeneration.
Habitat:
- Open montane grasslands interspersed with shola forests (South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region).
- Occurs at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 feet).
- Prefers steep rocky slopes, cliff edges, and grassy plateaus — areas with clear visibility to detect predators.
Population: Estimated 3,122 individuals in the wild; Locally extinct in about 14% of its historical habitat.
- In Kerala (1,365): Eravikulam National Park (ENP) – largest single population (~841 individuals); Anamalai Hills landscape.
- In Tamil Nadu (1303): Mukurthi National Park; Grass Hills National Park; Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (lesser presence)
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Cultural Significance:
- Official state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- Mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature (~2,000 years ago).
- Seen in Mesolithic rock art (10,000–4,000 BC), indicating its deep historical importance.

[UPSC 2018] Consider the following fauna of India:

1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 * (d) None