The Himalayan Tahr in New Zealand: Population, Culling, and Conservation

How Did Tahr Get to New Zealand?

Did you know that New Zealand is home to one of the largest populations of Himalayan Tahr in the world? But how did they get here?

Tahr are a species of ungulate native to the rugged mountain ranges of the Himalayas. They were introduced to New Zealand in 1904 when the Duke of Bedford gifted a small group of animals to the country. These Tahr were initially released around Aoraki / Mount Cook in the South Island, where they quickly adapted to their new environment. With no natural predators and plenty of alpine terrain similar to their native habitat, their population expanded rapidly.

Over the past century, Tahr have spread across much of the central Southern Alps, thriving in the rocky slopes and high-altitude grasslands of the region. Unlike in the Himalayas, where they face predation from snow leopards, Tahr in New Zealand have only hunters as a controlling factor, leading to a population boom. Estimates suggest that while only a few thousand remain in the Himalayas, New Zealand's Tahr population may be ten times larger.

Estimating the Tahr Population in New Zealand

A study commissioned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) between 2016 and 2019 estimated the Tahr population in the South Island to be between 26,000 and 44,000 animals, with most models suggesting a figure of around 34,000. However, accurately estimating Tahr numbers is challenging due to their movement patterns and factors such as weather conditions and terrain, which can impact survey accuracy.

As a result of these findings, DOC undertook a large-scale culling operation in 2019 and 2020, removing approximately 18,000 animals. This effort aimed to bring the population closer to the department’s long-standing target of 10,000 Tahr, considered necessary to maintain a healthy alpine environment. In theory, this should have reduced the population to around 18,000. But where do numbers stand five years later?

A group of Tahr navigating the rugged slopes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park – With no natural predators, their population has grown significantly over the past century.

Tahr in New Zealand in 2025

The culling of Tahr in 2019/20 was primarily driven by concerns over their impact on fragile alpine ecosystems. However, it's worth noting that other species, such as red deer, also contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Unlike Tahr, large-scale commercial control measures targeting red deer have not been implemented to the same extent.

One of the key reasons Tahr are not expected to rebound quickly is the targeted nature of the culling. The focus was largely on removing nannies, which can live for 12 to 14 years, while leaving bulls. This strategy puts downward pressure on the population in the short term by reducing breeding females. However, it also means that the bulls that do breed are likely to be in peak condition, potentially passing on stronger genetics.

In addition to the large-scale culling, DOC continues to control the population by removing around 1,000 females or juveniles annually. But has this strategy been effective?

The Impact of Tahr Culling

To assess the long-term impact of culling, let's examine one specific study area: the South Whitcombe-Whataroa catchments. In 2019, aerial surveys recorded 543 bull Tahr in the region. By 2021/22, despite no further culling of bulls, that number had dropped to 305, then to 253 a year later. By 2024, only 141 bulls were observed—a 75% decline in just over five years.

At first glance, this suggests that culling was highly effective. However, the data raises some questions. In 2020, when 543 bulls were recorded, approximately 70% of the area was surveyed in an intensive months-long study. By 2021, only 50% of the region was surveyed, and 305 bulls were counted—but the groups observed were larger than in previous years. By 2022, fewer than 10% of the region was surveyed, and for the first time, groups of more than 10 Tahr were spotted. In 2024, only the southern portion of the area (around 20%) was surveyed, yet groups as large as 14 animals were recorded.

These inconsistencies highlight a key issue: survey data can be heavily influenced by the methodology used. As the saying goes, there are "lies, damned lies, and government statistics." If the goal was to reduce the Tahr population in this specific region, the data suggests it may not have been entirely successful. However, this is just one study area among many, and multiple factors could have influenced the numbers.

A Himalayan Tahr sits proudly on a rocky ridge in the Southern Alps – Introduced in 1904, these resilient animals have thrived in New Zealand’s alpine terrain.

Bull Tahr Regulations in New Zealand

For hunters interested in Tahr, it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding bull Tahr hunting in New Zealand. DOC manages Tahr through the Himalayan Tahr Control Plan, which sets guidelines for population control while allowing recreational and guided hunting.

• Hunting Permits: Anyone wanting to hunt Tahr on public conservation land must obtain a hunting permit from DOC. Permits are free and can be obtained online. 

• Restricted Areas: Some regions have designated "Tahr management units" where Tahr themselves 'are restricted' and the Department of Conservation works to prevent the spread of Tahr further across the Southern Alps. For example work to prevent Tahr spreading around the Southern Lakes Region has been ongoing for many years.

Bull Tahr Price and Trophy Tahr Hunting

New Zealand is considered one of the top destinations for trophy Tahr hunting, attracting hunters from around the world. The price of a guided bull Tahr hunt varies depending on the location, hunting outfitter, and package inclusions.

• Guided Hunts: Trophy Tahr hunts typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 NZD, with premium packages including helicopter access to remote alpine areas, accommodation, and expert guides.

• DIY Hunting: For experienced hunters, the cost of a self-guided hunt is significantly lower, but it requires extensive planning, permits, and knowledge of Tahr habitat.

• Trophy Quality: A mature bull Tahr is prized for its striking mane, which grows longer in winter. The best trophy bulls often have horns measuring over 12 inches, with exceptional specimens reaching 14 inches or more.

Trophy hunting plays a role in Tahr management by selectively removing mature males, reducing competition for younger bulls, and providing economic benefits through guided hunting tours.

A trophy bull Tahr with a striking winter mane – Mature bulls are highly sought after by hunters for their impressive coats and curved horns.

What’s Next for Tahr Management?

Tahr management remains a complex issue requiring ongoing study and adaptive strategies. Understanding population movements, the effectiveness of control measures, and the broader impact across the species’ entire range—not just isolated catchments—will be crucial for future conservation efforts.

For those interested in hunting Tahr, staying informed about regulations, population trends, and conservation efforts is essential. Whether you’re a hunter, conservationist, or simply curious about New Zealand’s unique wildlife, the future of Tahr in the Southern Alps is a topic worth following.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the future of Tahr in New Zealand.