Wildlife in Ladakh

Yak:-

Yak in Ladakh The largest animal of the cold desert is the yak (dong), a yak wild ox. First described only a century ago by the famous Russian naturalist- explorer, N.M.Przewalski, the wild yak is definitely more imposing than its placid domestic counterpart. Immensely shaggy and weighing about a tone it has curved horns whose tips can be as wide apart as 90/91 cm. and measure 76/78 cm. over the curves. It can easily be distinguished by its long black hair, which is tinged with gray at the muzzle. Spending its summers at a height above 5,900 meters, in winter it moves in herds to the lakes, marshes and lower valleys

 

The Great Tibetan Sheep (Ladakhi: nyan):-
 

Largest and most magnificent of wild sheep in the whole world, it is also called the Great Tibetan sheep (Ovis ammon). Roughly 250 of these are found in the extreme eastern portion of Ladakh. The horns of the nyan measure up to 150 cm. and the animal normally remains at a great height, rarely descending to a level below 4,600 meters.

Urial or the Smallest Sheep (Ladakhi: shapu):-

Urial or shapu (Ovis orientalis) is the smallest sheep in the world. Its body, which is just about as tall as its horns usually weighs 90 Kg. and has horns measuring upto 99 cm. These sheep prefer the grassy mountain slopes. The breeding of this species, as is the case with most sheep, takes place during December-January and they give birth to their young ones around May. The need for protection of the urial is great as they are within easy reach of hunters. Their numbers have been declining rapidly and it is estimated that there are no more than 510 in Ladakh.

Bharal (Ladakhi: napo):-

Bharal, a blue sheep can be seen at the height of 6000 feet. In summers they graze on the rich and abundant grasses of the alpine meadows. Their brownish-gray color provides them with protective camouflage and as they often stand motionless they can be extremely difficult to spot but, when alarmed, Bharal will bolt swiftly to safety. As this species of sheep posses the appearance of both sheep and goat, so they play a vital role in the mythological stories related to Buddhism.

Snow Leopard (Ladakhi: shan):-

Snow Leopard The area of Ladakh also supports and shelters a good population of snow leopards. The snow leopard is found in the high mountainous regions of Central Asia. In India, it can be spotted in the states that lie along the northern Indian border. The species of snow leopard has been declared endangered and efforts are on to promote measures that help the breeding population perpetuate.

Birds in Ladakh:-

The area of Ladakh also supports and shelters a good population of snow leopards. The snow leopard is found in the high mountainous regions of Central Asia. In India, it can be spotted in the states that lie along the northern Indian border. The species of snow leopard has been declared endangered and efforts are on to promote measures that help the breeding population perpetuate. The region of Ladakh is also known to shelter around 310 species of birds; though it is not regarded as a birding paradise. Most of the bird species found in Ladakh are breeding migrants. Resident birds come down from high altitude regions after breeding period is over. The places where you can spot a variety of species include the Suru Valley, the Rizong Monastery, Hemis National Park and the Rumbak Valley. Fire-capped Tit, White-tailed Rubythroat, Longbilled Bush Warbler, Little Forktail, Wallcreeper, Brown Dipper, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Snowcock and Rock Bunting are some of the most commonly sighted bird species in the aforementioned wildlife spots.