Research Projects

The objective of this project is to comprehend the population ecology of the Himalayan tahr throughout the Uttarakhand region of the Himalayan range. The Himalayan tahr is exclusively found in a narrow zone around the timberline on the southern side of the Himalayas, covering Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Sikkim. Unfortunately, the population of the Himalayan tahr has declined by less than 30%, leading to its classification as Scheduled I under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Due to anthropogenic pressures, this species only survives as remnants in its native habitat. The Himalayan tahr is an indicator species inhabiting the rocky areas of high-altitude Himalayas, sharing its habitat with other species like Musk deer (Moschus spp), Serow ( Capricornis sumatraensis thar), and Goral (Naemorhedus goral). Owing to the challenging terrain, only a few studies have been conducted on the Himalayan tahr, with the latest one in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in 2004. However, this species is facing severe pressure due to habitat loss and anthropogenic factors. Therefore, this study aims to be carried out in its distributional range in Uttarakhand to understand its ecology and coexistence with other species. This research can help develop a proper management plan as a blueprint for the conservation of the Himalayan tahr in its distributional range.