Munnar: The reopening of Eravikulam National Park will get delayed this year as the calving season of endangered Nilgiri tahr needs to get over.

Munnar Wildlife Warden has recommended to the Chief Wildlife Warden that the ban on visitors should be extended to April 15.

Calving among the tahrs peak during February-March. Normally visitors are prohibited during these months and let in again from early April. The extension up to April 15 has been recommended this year because the calving season will not get over with March.

Forty newborn Nilgiri tahrs have been found in Rajamala alone so far this year. More babies are expected in the far interior areas of Eravikulam.

Forest guards spot normally nearly 80 babies by the end of March. The total count remains low compared to last year. Besides, a good number of pregnant goats are seen in Rajamala though March is drawing to an end. These are reasons that prompted the recommendation for extension of ban on visitors.

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