Tiger Reserves (3)

Tiger Reserves provide the highest degree of protection under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, benefiting Nilgiri Tahr populations through strict habitat preservation and funding support. Three major tiger reserves overlap with Tahr habitats:

1. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR)

Located in the southernmost part of Tamil Nadu, KMTR encompasses a wide range of habitats, from tropical evergreen forests to high-altitude grasslands. It harbors genetically diverse populations of Nilgiri Tahr and provides essential connectivity to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

2. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR)

Spread across Coimbatore and Pollachi, ATR is a critical landscape where montane grasslands meet tropical forests. Grass Hills within ATR are one of the most important strongholds for Nilgiri Tahr populations.

3. Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR)

This newly designated reserve is vital for linking fragmented habitats, particularly in Meghamalai and Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary regions. It also provides corridors for other endangered species alongside Nilgiri Tahr.