High altitude wild animals

 

 

 

  Family-Bovidae Sp.-  Bos grunniens Altitude- 4270-6100m The wild yak, scientifically known as Bos grunniens, and locally called the Dong in some regions, is an iconic species that roams the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Known for its resilience, striking appearance, and critical role in its ecosystem, the wild yak is both an emblem of the Himalayas and a creature facing significant conservation challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the distinctive traits, distribution, habits, breeding, and conservation status of the wild yak in the Himalayan region. Distinctive Traits of the Wild Yak- The wild yak is a powerful and impressive animal, specially adapted to survive in the extreme conditions of the Himalayan region. 1. Physical Appearance Size and Weight: Wild yaks are large and heavy animals. Adult bulls (males) typically weigh between 500 to 1,000 kilograms (1,100 to 2,200 pounds), while females (cows) are somewhat lighter, ranging from 350...

The Himalayan region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and towering peaks, presents a formidable environment for wildlife. The combination of extreme climatic and ecological conditions shapes the unique adaptations and survival strategies of animals in this high-altitude ecosystem. Below, we explore the critical environmental hazards affecting wildlife in the Himalayas. 1. Low Air Pressure At high altitudes, the reduced air pressure results in low oxygen levels, making respiration more challenging for both humans and animals. Himalayan wildlife, such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan tahr, exhibit specialized physiological adaptations. Enlarged lungs and higher hemoglobin levels in their blood allow efficient oxygen absorption, enabling them to thrive in these hypoxic conditions. 2. Cold Temperature The Himalayan region experiences extreme cold, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing. Thick fur coats, subcutaneous fat layers, and behavioral adaptations like hiber...

  Family-Bovidae Sp.- Ovis ammon hodgsoni Altitude- 3600-4500m It is the largest sheep breed among the all the sheep available in the Himalaya having long legs and graceful light colouration. The coat is light brown and darker on shoulder.The adult male measures 1.07-1.20 meters at shoulder and female is slightly smaller. The horns are 90cm to 1 meter in male and shorter in female. Distribution- Nepal, Sikim, Tibet,Bhutan,Pakistan. Habbits- It is called as king of Tibet. It isthe largest sheep of all wild sheep of Himalaya. They feed early in the morning and again in evening. They use bare hill sides for rest during the day. The colouration of nayanis highly protective against predators. While sitting the head is kept erect and while sleeping the neck is outstretched. The ram resting their horns on ground during sleeping which provide excellent protection in an envirnment infested with ruthless predators. Breeding -  G enrally a herd concists of 5-15 individuals. The sexes sep...

  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, r...

  Family-Bovidae Sp.- Hemitragus Jemlahicus Altitude- 3000-4000 m   The himalayan tahr is typically a shaggy, with long robust limbs, narrow erect ears and curved horns. It is also a wild goat. The hoof ad is very soft and slightly convex. It is generally deep redish brown in colour. Old males are darker especially on the back and hind quarter. Distribution :-  Sikim,Nepal,and Pakistan. However it common in Kshtwar, Chamba and upper valley of Chenab, Ravi,Bes and Sutlej. Habits and Ecology: -   I t is a goat of forest . It prefers the most inaccessible areas like rocky sloves covered with oak trees and also lives in herds of 2-23 indiviuals. Himalayan Tahr emerges from the forest in the evening to feed an returns back to rest before sunrise in morning. It feeds on oak leaves by standing on hind legs. The bambo tree and dry grasses are also an important food item for them. Reproduction-   Mating takes place in winter when the tahr come down to the valleys...