Nilgiri Tahr 



307 



observes the same process on the other, eventually calmly lying down, con- 

 tented with the precautions she has taken that all is safe. Her post as 

 sentinel is generally a prominent one, on the edge and corner perhaps 

 of some ledge, well sheltered from the wind and warmed by the sun, 

 along which the rest ot the herd dispose themselves as inclined, fully 

 trustino; in the watchtul guardian whose manoeuvres I have been describino;. 

 Should the sentinel be joined by another, or her kid come and lie down by 

 her, they invariably place themselves back to back, or in such a manner 

 that they can keep a lookout on either side. A solitary male goes through 

 all this by himself, and wonderfully careful he is, but when with the herd 

 he reposes in security, leaving it to the females to take precautions for their 

 mutual safety." 



From the conspicuous grizzled mark on the loins, the old males are 

 commonly termed by sportsmen " saddle-backs." 



Fig. 61. — Front view of Head of male Nilgiri Tahr. From a specimen in the 

 possession of Mr. St. George Littledale. 



