Federated Farmers is pushing for an official name change for one of New Zealand's most sought-after game hunting animals.
Himalayan Tahr, a type of goat-antelope, have lived in remote parts of the Southern Alps for more than 100 years. The federation says its now time to officially change the name to "New Zealand Tahr".
High Country chair Donald Aubrey says the move follows a successful campaign by an Ashburton wildlife enthusiast and author, Bruce Banwell, to re-establish the correct spelling of Tahr.
Both the Collins and Oxford dictionaries have acknowledged that their use of the word "Thar", was wrong and have changed their spelling and definitions. The Department of Conservation has also followed suit.
Because the official spelling has been altered, Mr Aubrey says it's also timely for the animal's name and identity to be changed.
