How has the rise in Tahr numbers in Eravikulam National Park impacted the ecosystem
The number of Nilgiri Tahr has been on the rise in Eravikulam National Park.
- The increase in Tahr populations has benefited the overall biodiversity of the park, as they are an important prey for predators like leopards and tigers.
- Tahrs help maintain grasslands by grazing on certain areas, preventing them from becoming overgrown and promoting growth in other areas they don't forage on.
- However, the overgrazing of certain areas by Tahrs can lead to soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion which can affect the quality of the grasslands.
- Their increased population has also led to competition for resources. As Tahrs compete not only amongst themselves but also with other herbivores like Sambar deer.
- Furthermore, the increase in Tahr populations has also led to an increase in the population of their predators, causing a shift in the predator-prey balance. This shift can be harmful if not managed properly.
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