They’re a little mean. Nilgiri Martens are not shy at all, and have been known to snarl and bark at humans.They belong to the same family (Mustelidae) as otters and weasels, although they look more like civets or mongoose.Their elusiveness is legendary in this region. J. Manoharan first caught a glimpse of a Nilgiri Marten in 1980, a sighting which inspired him to become a wildlife guide. He had to wait 20 years for another sighting.

The ‘Mara Naai’ Of The Nilgiris

by Prakash Ramakrishnan | Aadya Singh

  • They’re a little mean. Nilgiri Martens are not shy at all, and have been known to snarl and bark at humans.
  • They belong to the same family (Mustelidae) as otters and weasels, although they look more like civets or mongoose.
  • Their elusiveness is legendary in this region. J. Manoharan first caught a glimpse of a Nilgiri Marten in 1980, a sighting which inspired him to become a wildlife guide. He had to wait 20 years for another sighting.