Faunal Biodiversity of Himalayas / Endemic, Endangered Animals of Himalayas

Himalayas are young, biodiverse mountains that sustain high floral and faunal biodiversity. Himalayas constitute 12% of India’s land but host 30.16% of its fauna close to 31000 animal species.  Himalayas split into Western and Eastern at 36°N and 28°N latitude respectively. Snowline lower in West, higher in East due to climatic differences. Both these regions are home to many globally significant mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and plants. More than half (63%) of the genera of land mammals in India are found in Himalaya.

Critically endangered Mammals of Himalaya

Chinese Pangolin

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a heavily armored anteater found in forests across southern China, northeastern India, parts of Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Adults reach 40-58 cm long plus a 25-38 cm prehensile tail, and weigh 5-7 kg.

Chinese pangolins use their long tongues to lap up ants and termites from nests and mounds. Historically common, they have experienced catastrophic declines in recent decades due to rampant poaching for meat and use of scales in traditional medicine, habitat loss, and more.

Exact population sizes are unknown but likely reduced below 5,000 total and fragmented into small isolated groups. Chinese pangolin numbers continue falling precipitously, recently as much as 80% over 10 years in China. All eight pangolin species face severe threat. Consequently, Chinese pangolins are now classified as Critically Endangered and one of the most trafficked animals worldwide.

Namdapha flying squirrel

The Namdapha flying squirrel, Biswamoyopterus biswasi, is a nocturnal, arboreal species endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, India. Known from just one specimen found in 1981 in Namdapha National Park, it inhabits tall Mesua ferrea forests on the Patkai range’s western slope near the Dihing River. With no population estimates, it’s listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, threatened by poaching and potential habitat destruction. This rare species, possibly confined to a single valley, is a focus of Re:wild’s “Search for Lost Species” initiative, being one of the 25 “most wanted lost” species.

Endangered Mammals of Himalaya

Himalayan Musk Deer

The Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) is an elusive high-altitude cervid named for the prominent musk pods of adult males. Nocturnal and solitary, they inhabit alpine scrub and grasslands at 2,500-5,000 m elevation across the Great Himalayan Range. Though scattered thinly, populations likely still total over 100,000 since they utilize marginal habitats. However, high hunting pressure for musk and habitat decline pose escalating threats. Himalayan musk deer populations are declining prominently. They are consequently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Kashmir Musk Deer

The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is found in remote mountain forests across northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and southern Tibet. Named for the prominent musk gland found in adult males, Kashmir musk deer possess no antlers and a small tusked upper jaw used to pull down foliage. Main threats come from extensive poaching to procure valuable musk pods driving severe population declines over 80% in recent decades. Remaining native numbers are likely below 2,500 lightly scattered deer across this range. Consequently, the species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List warranting stronger protections and anti-poaching measures to prevent extinction.

Red Panda

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an unusual arboreal mammal named for its reddish fur and banded tail resembling a raccoon. Head to tail they stretch 50-64 cm long and weigh 3-6 kg. Bamboo specialists residing in temperate forests 2,200-4,800 m altitude across the eastern Himalaya and southern China. Exact population sizes are unknown but likely total around 10,000 mature individuals in increasingly fragmented habitats. Red pandas are poached for fur and facing accelerating habitat loss. Their populations are declining prominently across the limited range. Consequently the red panda is Endangered and reliant on protected reserves to prevent extinction.

Pygmy hog

The pygmy hog, the world’s smallest and endangered wild pig species, is native to southern Bhutan and northern West Bengal, India. Adults, standing only 25 cm tall but weighing 6-10 kg, have faced a catastrophic decline due to habitat destruction, pushing them near extinction with fewer than 150 left in the early 2000s. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction, have raised their numbers to around 300, but they remain Endangered in IUCN Red List.

Vulnerable Mammals of Himalayas

Snow Leopard

The Snow leopard (Panthera uncia), found in the high mountains of Central Asia across 12 countries, prefers solitary life in alpine and subalpine zones of the Himalayas. It mainly preys on bharal, Himalayan tahr, and other ungulates. With an estimated wild population of 4,000-8,000, it faces threats from habitat loss, prey scarcity, retaliatory killings, poaching, and climate change. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, conservation efforts focus on protecting this species and its mountain ecosystems.

Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is found in Himalayan foothills. They are agile climbers that prey on birds, deer and other mid-sized mammals encountered in their arboreal habitats. Exact population sizes are unknown but likely total less than 10,000 mature individuals. Deforestation poses the major threat to clouded leopard survival, along with some hunting for pelts and bones. Consequently, their populations are inferred declining and clouded leopards are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Gee’s golden langur

Gee’s golden langur, also known simply as the golden langur, is an Old World monkey native to a small area in Western Assam, India, and Bhutan’s Black Mountains foothills. Revered by Himalayan peoples and introduced to the Western world by Edward Pritchard Gee in the 1950s, adult males sport a cream to golden coat with darker sides, while females and juveniles are lighter. They have a black face and a long tail, reaching up to 50 cm.

Living in high trees, their diet is herbivorous, consisting of fruits, leaves, seeds, buds, and flowers. Groups typically comprise eight individuals, usually several females per adult male. The golden langur is among the most endangered primates in India and Bhutan.

Ladakh Urial

The Ladakh urial (Ovis vignei vignei), a unique urial sheep subspecies, is native to Ladakh, India, living on steep slopes and valleys at 3,300-5,200 m. Both males and females have outward-curving horns up to 40 cm. With under 350 individuals, they face threats from hunting, livestock competition, and diseases. Conservation includes a sanctuary, awareness, and livestock vaccination. It’s listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Takin

The takin, a large, golden-furred ungulate found in the eastern Himalayas and central China, inhabits subalpine forests and scrublands. Adults weigh 300-400 kg, featuring horned heads and humped shoulders. As arboreal and crepuscular animals, takins feed on leaves, twigs, and fruits, using their split top lip and mobile jaw.

Estimated at around 20,000 mature individuals, mostly in small, protected areas, they face habitat loss and some poaching. The IUCN lists takins as Vulnerable, highlighting the need for broader conservation efforts.

Near Threatened Mammals of Himalayas

Kashmir Markhor

The Kashmir markhor (Capra falconeri falconeri), Asia’s largest native goat with distinct corkscrew horns in males, inhabits mountain forests and grasslands at 700-3,500 m in northeast Afghanistan, northern India, and Pakistan’s Kashmir. Males stand up to 115 cm at shoulder height and weigh 91-110 kg, females are smaller. With populations under 10,000 and fragmented, they face poaching, military activity, domestic goat competition, and infrastructure threats. Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, conservation efforts are ongoing.

Tibetan Antelope

The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) or Chiru, endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, stands 83-100 cm tall with slender legs. Inhabiting grasslands at 3,250-5,500 m elevations, they migrate lower in winter. From a low of 75,000 in the 1990s, conservation has increased their numbers to over 200,000. Yet, they face threats from illegal shahtoosh wool poaching and habitat loss. They remain listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Tibetan Argali

The Tibetan argali, a subspecies of mountain sheep, is native to the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent highlands. Recognizable by their large, curved horns over 190 cm in males, they are the largest wild sheep species. These ungulates live in high-altitude grassy steppes and meadows at 3,000-5,500 m, forming nursery herds, bachelor groups, and small harems. With numbers below 10,000 due to poaching, past hunting, and livestock competition, they are classified as Near Threatened. Habitat development and resource extraction continue to threaten their limited range.

Himalayan Tahr

The Himalayan tahr, Hemitragus jemlahicus, is a large even-toed ungulate found in the Himalayas, specifically in southern Tibet, northern India, western Bhutan, and Nepal. It’s currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to a declining population, which is attributed to hunting and habitat loss.

Least Concern Mammals of Himalayas

Bharal (Blue sheep)

The bharal or blue sheep, a caprid species, inhabits Himalayan altitudes of 3,000-5,500m. Both sexes have curved horns. They form herds up to 50 and primarily eat grasses and herbs. Adapted to harsh climates, their dense wool insulates against temperatures as low as -20°C. Their population, estimated between 35,000 and 98,500, faces threats like livestock competition, diseases like sarcoptic mange, and limited trophy hunting. Despite this, the bharal is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Himalayan Marmot

The Himalayan marmot, a large ground squirrel, lives in alpine meadows and grasslands in the Himalayas at 3,000-5,500 m. Adults are about 60 cm long, weighing 3-8 kg, and are herbivorous burrowers living in colonies. They hibernate in winter. While population data is scarce, numbers seem abundant and stable. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, they face minor threats from agricultural persecution, tourism disturbances, and climate change impacts on their alpine habitat.

Plateau Pika

The plateau pika, a small rabbit-like mammal endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh, Sikkim, and nearby mountains, lives in rocky scree habitats up to 6,130 m and measures 15-25 cm. Unlike some relatives, it doesn’t hibernate. With over a million in Tibet alone, they’re numerous but face threats from poisonings as agricultural pests and climate change impacting alpine ecosystems. Despite this, the pika is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though some areas report declines due to localized threats.

Siberian Ibex

The Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), a wild goat species, occupies steep terrains across central Asia, including the Himalayas. Both genders have large, backward-curving ridged horns, with males sporting up to 160 cm long horns. Feeding on alpine grasses, herbs, and shrubs, they form herds of 10-30, segregating by sex outside mating seasons. With over 50,000 individuals, their populations are relatively stable, though overhunting and habitat loss have caused local declines. Due to conservative hunting and habitat protection, the Siberian ibex is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Kiang / Tibetan Wild Ass

The Kiang or Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang) is the largest of the all African and Asiatic wild asses. Kiang is native to Tibetan Plateau and is found in China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Outside China, most of the kiang populations are found in Ladakh and Sikkim. Its coat is reddish in summer to dark brown in winter with almost white under parts. They are relatively abundant overall and are classified as Least Concern.

Tibetan Gazelle

The Tibetan gazelle, a medium-sized antelope, is native to high plateaus in Tibet and Ladakh, living above 4,250 m. Both genders have long, back-curving horns, reaching up to 46 cm in males. Inhabiting alpine meadows and steppes, they feed on grasses and sedges. With few major threats beyond localized hunting, the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though climate change and grazing pressures require continuous monitoring.

Yak

The domestic yak (Bos grunniens), a long-haired bovine descended from wild yaks, is widespread across the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Essential for Tibetan and nomadic communities, they provide meat, milk, fiber, and labor at high altitudes. Adult yaks can thrive up to 5,500 m elevations. They are docile, herding animals, grazing on sparse vegetation. With an estimated 14-15 million in total, over 90% are in China. Meanwhile, wild yak populations are smaller and declining due to poaching and competition, but still number over 10,000. Hybridization poses a threat to the genetic purity of wild yaks.

Himalayan Palm Civet

The masked palm civet, or Paguma larvata, also known as the gem-faced or Himalayan palm civet, is a viverrid found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Since 2008, it’s been classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its presence in numerous protected areas, adaptability to habitat changes, wide distribution, and large, stable populations.

Birds of Himalayas

More than 60 per cent of the bird species found in India have been recorded in the Northeast.  Here are some bird species peculiar to Himalayas.

Black-necked crane

The black-necked crane is a large bird with black and white plumage and a red crown. These cranes nest on remote lakes and wetlands at high altitudes across China and the eastern Himalayas. Their numbers have declined due to habitat loss.

Western tragopan

The western tragopan is a brightly plumed pheasant of western Himalayan broadleaf and coniferous forests. Due to habitat loss and overhunting, it is endangered today. Conservation programs aim to protect remaining populations in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.

Himalayan monal

The Himalayan monal is an iridescent pheasant native to the high altitude forests and scrub of the eastern Himalayas. The male has multicolored plumage and a crest, while the female is rufous-brown. This is the national bird of Nepal.

Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture)

The lammergeyer, also called the bearded vulture has tawny plumage and feather “beard.” It is a specialist scavenger that mainly feeds on bones of dead animals. They breed on remote mountain cliffs across Central Asia and the Himalayas.

Himalayan Griffon

The Himalayan griffon is found breeding on cliffs and nesting in colonies across central Asia. They roost and feed communally, scavenging the remains of dead livestock and wildlife.

Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is a large raptor with brown plumage and golden highlights on the head and neck. They breed across the Holarctic region. In the Himalayas, they nest on remote mountain cliffs and forage widely hunting mammals and birds.

Snow Pigeon

The snow pigeon is a high altitude dove of the Himalayas and central Asia. It has pale grey and brown plumage. Due to hunting and habitat degradation, it has experienced population declines across its range. Yes, found in the Himalayas.

Reptiles of Himalayas

Many Himalayan reptiles have adapted to specific high altitude habitats and microclimates only found in this region. There are several endemic genera of lizards, snakes and so on. Some of the reptiles found in Himalaya are as follows:

• Ladakh cat snake
• McMahon’s viper
• Tibetan pit viper
• Big-headed turtle
• Black-spined toad-headed agama
• Tibetan mountain lizard
• Rohtang mountain lizard
• Kashmir rock agama
• Ocellated Himalayan lizard
• Sikkim leaf-litter toad
• Gansu knobby newt
• Red cheeked mountain keelback
• Himalayan newt
• Tibetan frog
• Burmese spiny turtle
• Brahmaputra roofed turtle
• Crowned river turtle
• Assam leaf turtle
• Indian tent turtle

The Himalayas have very high reptile endemism due to the geological isolation and rugged terrain of the mountain range.