NILGIRI TAHR 



331 



Head of Male Nilsjiri Tahr. 



NILGIRI TAHR (Hemitragus hylocrius). 



Although commonly designated by British sportsmen the " Nilgiri 

 ibex," this species (the vvarriattu 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 interesting species has been greatly reduced 

 in numbers by constant persecution, but as the herds have now 

 been placed under Government protection, and a special permit 

 is necessary for shooting, there is hope that it may shortly 

 increase. 



