High altitude wild animals at threat ?

High altitude environment of Himalayan region

By Dr Ramesh Behera
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          The high altitude environment has its own climatic complex of low atmospheric pressure,     atm ospheric cold, atmospheric aridity, light, snow cover, and also microclimate. The high-altitude areas pose threat to wildlife,threatened high-elevation mammal,  Multiple threats to Himalayan biodiversity, Other Threats and also feeling the impacts of climate change. High altitude environment of Himalayan region:- The Himalay, by prudence of its area and staggering level, goes about as an extraordinary climatic separation and manages meteorological circumstances in the subcontinent districts of South Asia. In any case, the related intricacies and their belongings are yet to be set out to figure out the meteorology of the Indian Himalayan District (IHR). In this audit volume, we combine the outcomes and derivations of a few examinations did in the IHR involving in situ information, somewhat detected information, and model-based meteorological perceptions. Results give experiences int
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BLUE SHEEP (Bharal)

By Dr Ramesh Behera

 Family-Bovidae

Sp.-Pseudois nayaur

Altitude- 3000-6000 m 

Actually the Blue sheep is not a sheep but it holds an intermediate place between  sheeep and goat as regards to morphological traits and habbits.



Physical Characteristics

It has rounded horns , curved backwards over the neck. A black strips runs along the middle of each flank and down the front of the legs. such type of black strips are absent in sheep.One of the most striking features of the blue sheep is its bluish-gray coat, which provides excellent camouflage against the rocky backdrop of its habitat. Both males and females have horns, with those of the males being larger and more curved. These horns play a crucial role in intra-species competition, especially during the mating season.

Habitat and Distribution

Blue sheep are primarily found in the Himalayas, ranging from the foothills of Pakistan and Afghanistan to the highlands of Nepal, Bhutan, and China as well as Ladakh and Kuman. They prefer steep, rocky terrain at altitudes between 3,000 to 6,000 meters, where few other animals can survive. This habitat provides them with both protection from predators and access to their preferred food sources.

Behavioral Adaptations

Blue sheep have evolved several behavioral adaptations to survive in their harsh environment. They are highly agile climbers, able to traverse steep cliffs with ease, which helps them escape predators like snow leopards and wolves. Their diet consists mainly of grasses and shrubs, which they can digest efficiently due to a specialized stomach structure.

Conservation Status

Despite their remarkable adaptations, blue sheep face several threats to their survival. Habitat loss due to human encroachment, poaching for their meat and horns, and competition with livestock are among the major challenges they face. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Ecological Importance

Blue sheep play a crucial role in the Himalayan ecosystem. They are a key prey species for predators like the snow leopard, and their grazing behavior helps maintain the balance of vegetation in their habitat. Their presence also supports local economies through wildlife tourism.

Reproduction:-

The reproductive cycle of the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) is a fascinating and vital aspect of their survival in the harsh environments of the Himalayas. Like many other mountain-dwelling species, blue sheep have evolved unique strategies to ensure the continuation of their species despite the challenges of their habitat.

Mating Season and Courtship

The mating season for blue sheep typically occurs during the late fall and early winter, a time when food is relatively abundant and temperatures are not as extreme. During this period, males compete for the attention of females through elaborate displays of dominance. These displays often involve head-butting and horn-locking, with the victor earning the right to mate with the female.

Gestation and Birth

After mating, the female blue sheep undergoes a gestation period of about 160 days. This timing ensures that the offspring are born in the spring, when food sources are more readily available. Blue sheep usually give birth to a single offspring, although twins can occur occasionally. The newborn, known as a lamb, is precocial, meaning it is born relatively mature and able to stand and move shortly after birth.

Maternal Care and Development

The mother provides care and protection to her lamb, nursing it and teaching it essential survival skills. The lamb relies on its mother's milk for nourishment during the early stages of its life. As the lamb grows, it learns to graze on grasses and other vegetation, gradually becoming more independent.

Survival Strategies

The reproductive strategy of the blue sheep is influenced by the challenging environment in which they live. By giving birth in the spring, when food is more abundant, and providing maternal care to their offspring, blue sheep increase the chances of survival for their young. Additionally, the ability of the lambs to quickly become mobile and forage for food helps them evade predators and thrive in their habitat.

Conclusion

The blue sheep is a testament to the resilience of life in extreme environments. Its ability to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Himalayas serves as a reminder of the intricate balance of nature and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique and valuable species.



Being a veterinary doctor I have treated so many house keeping animals and birds in my life including wild animals and birds.

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