The New Zealand Tahr is a wild, hoofed mammal belonging to the goat-antelope family. They were originally from the Himalayan mountains but were introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s for hunting purposes. Tahr are medium to large-sized animals with a sturdy and muscular build. They stand about 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 150 to 300 pounds. Their most distinctive feature is their thick, coarse coat, which can vary in color from reddish-brown to dark brown or black.

These Tahr are well-adapted to living in the mountainous regions of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. They prefer steep, rocky terrain with cliffs and ledges. Tahr have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in their alpine habitat. Their concave hooves have a soft, rubbery core that provides an excellent grip on slippery rocks, allowing them to navigate steep slopes and cliffs. They also have keen eyesight to spot predators or danger from a distance.

These sheep are herbivores, primarily feeding on a variety of alpine plants. They graze on grasses, herbs, shrubs, and low-hanging vegetation found in their mountainous environment. Tahr are social animals that form herds. Male Tahr, known as bulls, usually live separately from female herds, except during the breeding season. Female Tahr, called nannies, live in groups with their young, known as kids.

The breeding season for Tahr usually occurs in May and June. During this time, male Tahr compete for dominance and mating rights by engaging in battles known as "rutting." The winning male gets to mate with females in the herd. After a gestation period of about six months, female Tahr give birth to a single kid.

This population of animals has been a subject of concern for conservationists. While they are native to the Himalayas, their introduction to New Zealand has led to concerns about their impact on the native flora and fauna. Overgrazing by Tahr can damage delicate alpine ecosystems, and efforts are made to manage their population to protect the environment. Due to these environmental concerns, tahr hunting is regulated to control their numbers and minimize their impact on the fragile mountain ecosystems. Conservation efforts aim to find a balance that protects both the native environment and the tahr population.