18

There is no doubt that the Himalayas are home to some of the world’s most beautiful peaks. But what most people don’t know is that there are many fascinating animals that have long lived in this stretch. Here are 7 most unique animals found in these hills:

28

Snow Leopard

Snow leopards are also known as the ghost of the mountains as they are very difficult to spot and reside in areas high up in the Himalayas. Their thick and spotted coat makes them indistinguishable among the mountain snow and rocks.
Additionally, their population is estimated to be between 300 to 500, which makes a snow leopard an exceptionally rare sight. They live at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,500 meters, predominantly in Ladakh and the Spiti Valley.

Red Panda

The red panda is found in the eastern Himalayan forests of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Arunachal Pradesh. They are small in size and are known for their bushy tails and red brown fur. Many people mistake red pandas for raccoons because of their similar appearance.
Red pandas live and feed on bamboo trees, but have recently declined in population due to habitat loss. Conservation programmes have been set in recent years to help these unique animals thrive in their natural habitat.

Himalayan Tahr

A close relative of the wild goat, the Himalayan tahrs have a copper-brown coat and backwards-curving horns that make them easy to identify. Males also have thick, shaggy manes. Their pecial hooves allow them to travel with ease over rough mountain terrain.
These agile climbers are generally found grazing on rocky, steep slopes between 3,000 and 4,200 meters. The tahr travel in herds of 20 to 30 and inhabits alpine meadows and coniferous forests in Uttarakhand, Nepal and Bhutan.

58

Musk Deer

Native to the Himalayan forests, the musk deer is renowned for its musk gland, which has been used in perfumes and traditional medicine in the past. Musk deer are shy and solitary animals and prefer dense forests and alpine scrub between elevations of 2,500 and 4,000 meters.
Musk deer are found in Uttarakhand and Sikkim in large populations. Their numbers have been declining because of poaching and habitat loss in the recent years.

Himalayan Black Bear

The Himalayan black bear are a subspecies of Asiatic black bear that are found in the lower Himalayan forest between an elevation of 1000 to 3200 meters. These bears are known to shy away from human beings.
They have a striking black fur with a white patch on their chest which gives them a distinct appearance. Himalayan black bears are omnivores with a diet ranging from fruits and insects to small mammals.

78

Tibetan Antelope or Chiru

The Tibetan antelope, or chiru, inhabits the cold, arid high-altitude plateaus of Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau. Adapted to living above 4,000 meters, antelopes are highly valued for their soft underwool, or shahtoosh, which leads to large-scale poaching.

The Tibetan antelope is now completely protected by law and can be seen in remote areas dedicated to wildlife protection.

Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan monal is the national bird of Nepal and a stunning pheasant with iridescent, multicoloured plumage, especially in males. They inhabit alpine meadows and coniferous forests between elevations of 2,100 to 4,500 meters.
Himalayan monal are found in Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. This bird represents the diverse richness of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Mountainous regions around the world are home to an incredible array of unique animals, each with remarkable adaptations to survive the harsh conditions of high altitudes, cold temperatures, and rugged terrain. Here are some of these fascinating creatures and the places where you might be lucky enough to spot them:
North America

• Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus): These iconic white-coated ungulates are superb climbers, known for their powerful legs, nimble hooves with rough, rubbery pads, and long, shaggy winter coats.
• Where to see them: Primarily found in the mountain ranges of western North America, including:
  • Canada: British Columbia (e.g., Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks) and Alberta.
  • United States: Alaska (especially Southeast Alaska), Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and the Olympic Peninsula.
• Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis): Recognized by the males’ massive, curling horns, bighorn sheep are agile and well-adapted to rocky, steep terrain.
• Where to see them: Rocky Mountains in North America, including Rocky Mountain National Park (USA).
• Moose (Alces alces): While often associated with forests, moose can be found in mountainous areas with wetlands and abundant vegetation.
• Where to see them: Rocky Mountain National Park (USA) and other parts of the Rockies.
• Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis): A subspecies of brown bear, grizzlies inhabit various terrains, including mountainous regions, where they are apex predators.
• Where to see them: Northern Rocky Mountains, parts of Alaska, and some national parks in the western US and Canada.
• Pika (Ochotona princeps): Small, rabbit-like mammals that live in rocky scree slopes at high altitudes. They are known for collecting and drying “hay” for winter.
• Where to see them: Rocky Mountain National Park (USA) and other high-altitude areas in western North America.
  Asia (Himalayas and Central Asian Mountains)
• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): The elusive “ghost of the mountains” is perfectly camouflaged with its thick, spotted coat and long, bushy tail. They are powerful predators, adapted to extreme cold and rugged, high-altitude environments.
• Where to see them: The mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia, across 12 countries, including:
  • India: Western Himalayas (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
  • Nepal: Himalayan Mountains (e.g., Sagarmatha National Park, Mustang).
  • China: Xinjiang, Qinghai, Tibet, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Yunnan, and mountain ranges like Pamir, Kunlun, Tien Shan, Altai.
  • Other countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): These arboreal mammals have reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and short legs, well-suited for life in temperate forests.
• Where to see them: Eastern Himalayas, including parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India, and northern Myanmar.
• Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus): A large ungulate with shaggy coats and curved horns, adapted for living on steep, rocky slopes.
• Where to see them: Himalayan forests, including areas in Nepal and India.
• Yak (Bos grunniens): Both wild and domesticated yaks are found in high-altitude regions, with thick coats and large lungs adapted to thin air.
• Where to see them: Tibetan Plateau and other high mountain regions of Central Asia, including parts of the Himalayas.
• Markhor (Capra falconeri): A large wild goat species with distinctive corkscrew horns.
• Where to see them: Mountainous regions of Central Asia, including parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  Europe (Alps)
• Ibex (Capra ibex): A wild goat with impressive long, curved horns, known for its incredible climbing ability on steep, rocky faces.
• Where to see them: European Alps (e.g., Tyrol, Austria; parts of Switzerland, France, Italy).
• Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra): A goat-antelope species known for its agility and speed on rocky terrain.
• Where to see them: European Alps, Pyrenees, and other European mountain ranges.
• Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota): Large ground squirrels that live in burrows in alpine meadows, known for their whistling calls.
• Where to see them: European Alps.
• Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): A magnificent bird of prey found in various mountainous regions across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Where to see them: European Alps, Rocky Mountains, Himalayas, and other mountainous areas globally.
• Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) (Gypaetus barbatus): A large scavenger known for dropping bones from great heights to crack them open and access the marrow.
• Where to see them: European Alps, Himalayas, and other mountainous regions in parts of Africa and Asia.
  South America (Andes)
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus): One of the largest flying birds in the world, a scavenger soaring high above the Andean peaks.
• Where to see them: Andes Mountains, particularly in countries like Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina.
• Vicugna (Vicugna vicugna): A wild South American camelid, closely related to the llama and alpaca, prized for its extremely fine wool.
• Where to see them: High-altitude grasslands of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
• Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera/breviata): Small, nocturnal rodents with incredibly soft fur, living in burrows among rocky outcrops.
• Where to see them: Andes Mountains of South America, primarily Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
• Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus): The only bear species native to South America, named for the distinctive markings around its eyes.
• Where to see them: Cloud forests and mountainous regions of the Andes, from Venezuela to Bolivia.
  These are just a few examples of the incredible biodiversity found in the world’s mountain ranges. Each species has developed unique adaptations to thrive in these challenging yet beautiful environments.

Expand to view model thoughtschevron_right

From the majestic heights of the Himalayas to the rugged peaks of the Americas, mountains are home to a fascinating array of wildlife. These creatures have developed unique adaptations to survive in some of the planet’s most challenging environments. Here’s a look at some of these remarkable animals and where you might have the chance to see them.

Snow Leopard: The Ghost of the Mountains

The elusive snow leopard is a large cat renowned for its beautiful, thick, smoke-gray fur patterned with dark gray to black rosettes.[1][2] Its powerful build and long tail are crucial for navigating the steep, rugged terrain of its habitat.[1][2] These solitary creatures are most active at dawn and dusk.[3]

Where to see them: Snow leopards are found in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.[2][3] Ladakh in northern India is considered one of the best places in the world for tracking and spotting them, particularly in Hemis National Park and the Ulley Valley.[4][5][6] The best time for an expedition is during the winter months, from November to March, when they descend to lower elevations in search of prey.[6][7]

Mountain Goat: The Sure-Footed Climber

Despite their name, mountain goats are not true goats but are more closely related to antelopes.[8][9] They are easily recognizable by their thick white coats, which provide camouflage in snowy environments and warmth in cold climates.[1] Their specially adapted hooves with a hard, sharp rim and a soft, spongy inner pad allow them to be incredibly agile climbers on steep, rocky slopes.[10][11]

Where to see them: Mountain goats are native to North America’s Rocky Mountains and other ranges.[1][11] In the United States, you can look for them in places like Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, particularly along the Hidden Lake Trail.[11][12] In Colorado, Mount Evans and the peaks of Grays and Torreys are prime viewing spots during the late spring and summer.[8] Canada also offers numerous opportunities in national parks like Banff and Jasper.[11]

Himalayan Tahr: The Rugged Mountaineer

The Himalayan tahr is a large wild goat with a stocky build and a thick, reddish-brown coat.[1][10] Both males and females have backward-curving horns.[1] They are exceptionally skilled climbers, able to navigate steep, rocky terrain with ease.[1][10] Their hooves have a flexible, rubbery core that helps them grip smooth rocks.[10]

Where to see them: Native to the Himalayas in southern Tibet, northern India, and Nepal, the Himalayan tahr can be found on rugged wooded hills and mountain slopes.[13][14] Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal is an important protected area for the species.[14] They have also been introduced to other parts of the world, including New Zealand and South Africa.[10][15]

Andean Condor: The King of the Andes

The Andean condor is one of the world’s largest flying birds, with a wingspan that can reach up to 10 feet.[16][17] These impressive birds are a symbol of the Andes Mountains.[16] They are primarily scavengers, using their keen eyesight to spot carcasses from high above. To conserve energy, they rely on thermal air currents to soar for long periods without flapping their wings.

Where to see them: The Andean condor can be seen across the Andes Mountains in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.[18] One of the most famous viewing spots is the Colca Canyon in Peru, one of the deepest canyons in the world.[16][18] The Mirador Cruz del Condor within the canyon is a particularly popular point for observation.[16] Another location in Peru is the Apurimac Canyon near Cusco.[18][19] The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time for sightings.[18] In Chile, areas near Santiago and in Torres del Paine National Park offer good opportunities.[20]

Other Unique Mountain Dwellers:

Beyond these iconic species, the world’s mountains host a variety of other fascinating animals:

• Bharal (Blue Sheep): Found in the high mountains of the Himalayas, these sheep have a bluish-gray coat that provides excellent camouflage against the rocky terrain.[1]
• Chiru (Tibetan Antelope): Inhabiting the high-altitude Tibetan plateau, the chiru is known for its woolly coat that keeps it warm in the harsh climate.[21]
• Alpine Chough: This bird builds its nests at higher altitudes than any other bird species and has broad, powerful wings to navigate strong winds.[21]
• American Pika: These small, rodent-like mammals are found in the mountains of the American West and are well-adapted to the rocky slopes where they make their homes.[3]
• Chamois: This goat-antelope species is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and is known for its agility and short, hooked horns.