Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, whose cultural and ecological significance have been documented and written in the Tamil Sangam Literatures viz., Silappathigaaram and Seevagasinthamani as early as 2000 years ago. Taking the cultural significance and numerous ecological factors into consideration and to highlight and conserve the State Animal, the Tamil Nadu Government on 28.12.2022, launched an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr. While presenting the Budget 2022-2023, the Honorable Finance Minister made the following announcement, among others in the Legislative Assembly. “For the conservation of Tamil Nadu’s State animal, expansion of its habitat and to spread awareness among the public, the Government will implement ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr’.