Ladakh is a best destination for wildlife lovers in the Himalayan region as it is a habitat for some of the rare species of birds and animals in higher terrains of Asia. Wildlife in Ladakh has many things in common to the wildlife in Tibetan plateau. Ladakh has dry and rough terrains located at an average height of 4,600 meters in outer Himalayas. As one ascends the slopes of rugged terrains of Ladakh, vegetation becomes less because of the decrease in temperature. Apart from wild animals there a number of species of migratory birds which make Ladakh their home during summers.
Some of the Famous Animals of Ladakh
Yak
Yak is also known by the name of Dong and is a kind of wild Ox. It is one of the largest animals found in Ladakh. It can be identified by its long black hair and wide horns. It is also tamed by the localites for various purposes like carrying of luggage and its hairs are also used for making carpets and other products.
Nyan
Nyan is the largest wild sheep in the world, which is also known by the name of Great Tibetan Sheep or Ovis Ammon. Eastern portion of Ladakh has the maximum population of these sheep. This animal generally inhabits in greater regions above an altitude of 4,000 meters.
Urial
Urial is the smallest sheep in the world, which is also known by the name of Shapu. Urial is generally found in the grassy slopes, which are generally found near the river banks. December and January months are the breeding months of Urial. This animal has the largest threat of hunting by hunters and this the main reason of their declining population in Ladakh region. According to the latest survey, their estimated population was around 500.
Bharal
Bharal is also known by the name of Blue Sheep and is the most common animal in the Ladakh valley. Bharal generally inhabits in great herds at an altitude of more than 6, 000 meters above sea level. In physical appearance, Bharal bears the qualities of both sheep and goat. Bharal has Greyish-Brown hair, which are useful for them to camouflage themselves from hunters.
Ibex
Ibex is also a kind of goat with curved horns and is an attraction for visitors in Ladakh as they are beautiful in appearance. Ibexes also move in herds of 10-20 at a time and are an easy source of hunting for the hunters in Ladakh region.
Snow Leopard
There is a good population of Snow Leopards in high mountainous of Ladakh region. Snow Leopards also fall into the category of those animals who are at the verge of extinction in Asia and all efforts are being taken to preserve their population from extinction.
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