356 RECORDS OF BIG GAME 



Head of Nilgiri Tahr. 



NILQIEI 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. 



