The Nilgiri Tahrs are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. Males are larger than the females, and have a darker color when mature. Both sexes have curved horns, which are larger in the males, reaching up to 40 centimetres (16 in) for males and 30 centimetres (12 in) for females. Adult males weigh 80 to 100 kilograms (180 to 220 lb) and stand about 100 centimetres (39 in) tall at the shoulder. Adult males develop a light grey area on their backs and are thus called “saddlebacks”.
These tahrs inhabit the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, known as sholas. These grassland habitats are surrounded by dense forests at the lower elevations.
Very informative Nidhin! thank you for effort.
Really wonderful photo and I appreciate the information. So these guys are native to the area and roam free? Or are the domesticated for any use. I’ve a friend at the KVASU (vet college) in Vythiri who I believe has had occasion to treat some of this breed. Amazing bio-diversity in the Ghats there!