The Rock-star Of The Rockies

The forests of the western ghats are rich and diverse in its flora & fauna.It is one among the few Biological Hotspots in the world. The ghats offer a multitude of landscapes and terrains that vary from the open grasslands to the rocky mountains and the thick evergreen forests. The hilly and rocky regions of the ghats are occupied by the its unique and endemic rock climber - The Nilgiri Thar.

These mountain goats can skip over slippery rocks without slipping and can dash through terrifying slopes with ease. They are well adapted to the life on these hills, grasslands and the adjoining Shola forests of the blue hills. These gentle creatures are easily spotted in Eravikulam National Park where they are specially protected and well taken care of . The only problem here,is the tourists who touch and groom these animals as if they were just toys.

If you are having any plan to make a visit to the park, then keep in mind that these are wild animals. Even though they appear gentle and peaceful , teasing them can uncover their wild side. Don't harm yourself or the animal by being senseless. Enjoy their beauty from a distance and you better avoid any physical contact. If the animal shows any aggression , move away and protect yourself before anything bad could happen .I have witnessed these animals displaying aggressive behavior especially when disturbed and particularly the large saddle-back males and the mother Nilgiri Thars , which are fiercely protective and may unleash an attack on the tourists when people touch their fawns. Getting rammed by a Thar out in these misty mountains can be as bad as getting hit by a car and for making the matter get worse, the paramedic facilities are not within reach .  

Another problem is caused by littering of the Thar's territory by the tourists,with plastic covers , water bottles and other trash which might pollute the ecosystem and can even jeopardize the life of these iconic creations of nature.Its our duty to regulate our activities when we are inside a protected area and thereby ensure the safety of our wild wonders .Enjoy nature at its best.......:-)