358 RECORDS OF BIG GAME 
Head of Nilgiri Tahr. 
The NILGIRI TAHR or “IBEX” (Hemitragus hylocrius). 
Although commonly designated by British sportsmen the “ Nilgiri 
ibex,” this species (the warriattu of the native shikaris) is really a 
member of the same genus as the Himalayan tahr. From that species 
it is at once distinguished by its short hair and the form of the horns ; 
the latter having the outer surface convex instead of flat, and lacking 
the knotted front keel. The general colour is dark blackish brown, 
old males developing a light saddle-like patch on the back. Height 
at shoulder from 39 to 42 inches in the males, and up to 35 inches 
in the females. 
Distribution.—The hill-ranges of Southern India, including the Nilgiris, 
Anamalais, and the Western Ghats nearly to Cape Comorin ; usually 
at elevations of from 4000 to 6000 feet, but occasionally descending 
to lower levels. This species was greatly reduced in numbers by 
constant persecution, but since the herds have been under Govern- 
ment protection, and a special permit is necessary for shooting, 
there has been a large increase. 
