Himalayan Tahr

Category: Environment & Mammalian Biodiversity | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Himalayan Tahr: Habitat, Distribution, IUCN Status and Conservation in the Himalayas

UPSC Notes

The Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is a mountain ungulate adapted to steep, rocky terrain in the Himalayan region.

  • Distribution: Himalayan regions of India, Nepal and Bhutan.

  • Habitat: Rugged mountain slopes, rocky cliffs and alpine or subalpine environments.

  • Adaptations: Strong limbs and hooves help it move across steep terrain.

  • Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves and other mountain vegetation.

  • Social behaviour: Often occurs in groups, with herd patterns varying by season and sex.

  • Ecological role: Forms part of the mountain food web and is prey for large carnivores in parts of its range.

  • Conservation pressures: Habitat disturbance, hunting in some areas and potential competition with livestock.

  • Related species: The Nilgiri tahr is a separate species endemic to the southern Western Ghats.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Hemitragus jemlahicus.

  • Region: Himalayas.

  • Habitat: Steep rocky mountain slopes.

  • Distinguish Himalayan tahr from Nilgiri tahr.

  • Verify the latest IUCN category before publishing a current status claim.