# Kerala’s Varayattumudy hills become thriving Nilgiri tahr habitat 2026-08-08T06:45:31+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Nilgiri tahr population on Kerala's Varayattumudy hills in Idukki has surged to an estimated 150, up from just 50 in 2022, according to the Adimaly forest range office. Deputy Range Officer Manoj T. Mathew said a recent census spotted nearly 100 individuals, and the total count has now touched 150, making Varayattumudy a crucial sanctuary alongside the well-known Eravikulam National Park. Forest officials attribute the growth to an eco-restoration project that removed invasive exotic plants across 22.5 hectares, improving food availability. The 986-metre-high cliffs, grasslands, and windy climate mimic Eravikulam's conditions. The department plans to restore an additional 50 hectares and has formed a community forest committee in the neighbouring tribal settlement. A proposal for eco-tourism trekking at Mainappara has also been submitted. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: eco-restoration, Idukki, Kerala forest department, Nilgiri tahr, Varayattumudy, wildlife conservation Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/keralas-varayattumudy-hills-become-thriving-nilgiri-tahr-habitat/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/keralas-varayattumudy-hills-become-thriving-nilgiri-tahr-habitat/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.