Varayattumudy in Kerala’s Idukki emerging a thriving habitat of Nilgiri tahrs
The Nilgiri tahr population on the hills has risen significantly, with nearly 150 tahrs recently sighted, up from around 50 in 2022. Forest dept. completes eco-restoration project across 22.5 hectares, ensuring better food availability for the animals
Varayattumudy, located within Idukki district of Kerala's Adimaly forest range, has emerged as a thriving habitat for the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species. The grasslands of Varayattumudy have become an increasingly crucial sanctuary for the species, with a significant rise in population from around 50 in 2022 to nearly 150 as recently sighted.
Adimaly Deputy Range Officer, Manoj T. Mathew, attributes the growth to the unique cliff-filled, natural grassland landscape and the cliff-situated elevation of 986 meters, providing a climate similar to that of Eravikulam National Park. The Forest department has conducted an eco-restoration project across 22.5 hectares of Varayattumudy hills, removing exotic plant species to improve food availability for the Nilgiri tahr.
Further eco-restoration efforts are planned on an additional 50 hectares of land. To support local livelihoods while protecting the forest and wildlife, a Vana Samrakshana Samithi has been formed at Chinnappara, Thalanirappan, and Choorakkettan, three tribal settlements within the Varayattumudy hills. The department has submitted a proposal for an eco-tourism trekking program near Varayattumudy to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local tribal community.
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