Effective conservation and protection measures in Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala, home for the highly endangered Nilgiri tahrs, have paid rich dividends with 42 calves born to ungulates in the current calving season in the park.
The number of babies could move upto 55 by the end of this month as the calving season of Nilgiri tahrs was between February and March, Wild Life Warden of the Park Roy P Thomas told reporters.
The nestling season of tahrs was usually during the south-west monsoon period of June-July, he said.
The population of tahrs was 686 as per the latest census. "The most important point is that the Park holds the largest viable stable tahr population in the world," Thomas said.
Most of the protection and conservation programmes were implemented by Eco-Development Committee (EDC) consisting of tribals and local people of other community, he said. The Committee functions under the supervision of Anamala Forest Development Authority.
Seven EDC’s were operating in the park for its maintenance. There was not even a single incident of fire in the last four years in the park, he said. "We employ local people and they look after the park very well as their livelihood also depended upon the upkeep of the park," he said.
Tourists’ arrival to to the Park have also increased in recent years and they were allowed only on Tourism Zone at Rajamalai area of the 97 sq km park situated along the crest of western ghats in the high range of Idukki district.