WILDLIFE IN LADAKH

Ladakh is a unique wildlife destination, with many rare and exotic animals and birds seen in this high Himalayan plateau. The alpine climate, and rugged mountains are home to many different species of flora and fauna, which you can see on tours to Ladakh.

Birds in Ladakh: The Ladakh region is home to many rare Himalayan birds including Tibetan snow cocks, griffon vultures, and lammergeyers or bearded vultures, which have a 3 m-long wingspan. Many migratory birds are seen in Ladakh including the graceful Black-necked Crane, which can be seen flying in distinctive V-shaped formation across the clear Himalayan sky.

Animals in Ladakh: Some of the animals native to the Ladakh plateau are the Wild Yak, Ibex, Bharal or blue sheep, Nyan or Big-Horned sheep, Kiang or Himalayan wild ass, Chiru or Tibetan Antelope and the elusive Snow Leopard.

Yak : The Wild Yak is a large herbivore which can be seen grazing on Himalayan valleys at heights of over 6,000 m. Covered with a coat of shaggy black hair wild yaks migrate in winter to lower regions of the Himalayas.

Nyan: The Nyan or Big-Horned sheep is the also known as the Great Tibetan sheep. Male Nyan use their huge curving horns (up to 145 cm long) to fight during breeding season and can be seen charging at each other on the slopes above 4,500 m in north-eastern Ladakh.

Urial: The Urial, also called the Shapu, is among the smallest sheep worldwide; their horns are almost as long as their bodies. Found at altitudes of 3000-4000 m, the Urial are easy prey for local hunters.

Bharal: The Bharal or Blue Sheep is a so called because of the gray-blue color of its hairy coat. Found at altitudes of over 6,000 m, the Bharal is unusual in that it possess characteristics of both sheep and goats.

Ibex: The Ibex is an impressive goat with huge horns curving backwards in a spiral. The horns can grow to a length of 147 cm. Usually seen in herds of 10-16 the Ibex are surefooted goats and can be seen climbing the steepest of cliffs in Ladakh.

Chiru: The Chiru or Tibetan Antelope is an endangered animal. The fine wool from its underbelly is used to make Shahtoosh - an incredible soft woolen fiber made into shawls and stoles. Seen in the Aksai Chin region, Chiru are usually seen in small herds and are a protected species. Trade in Shahtoosh has also been banned by the government to ensure the survival of the Chiru.

Snow Leopard: The beautiful and elusive Snow Leopard is the main predator of the Himalayan region. It preys on the wild sheep and goats of the Ladakh region. In recent times however the increasing spread of domesticated herds of goats has led to pressure on the Snow Leopards range. These beautiful animals are under threat from poachers for their silver gray pelt and are an endangered species.

Other animals found in Ladakh are the Himalayan Brown Bear, seen in the Kargil and Zanskar regions, the Himalayan Black Bear and the Himalayan Wolf. The King or Himalayan Wild Ass is another elusive animal, which can sometimes be seen in small herds, in isolated regions of the Ladakh Plateau.

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