{
  "id": 292570,
  "title": "Varayattumudy in Kerala’s Idukki emerging a thriving habitat of Nilgiri tahrs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/varayattumudy-in-keralas-idukki-emerging-a-thriving-habitat-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-08T03:55:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/varayattumudy-emerging-a-thriving-habitat-of-nilgiri-tahrs/article71277289.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}