Fauna  in Himachal Pradesh :

Diverse region of grasslands, temperate forests, ice-clad mountains and dizzying array of animals- Himachal offers world’s most beautiful landscapes and provide shelter to some of the rarest wild animals, reptiles and birds. It is the longest and the highest mountain range that gives home to many endangered species some of which include Snow Leopard, Giant Panda, Red Panda, Himalayan Wild Yak, Himalayan Thar, Musk Dear, Himalayan Marmot, etc.

These great mountains have four kinds of vegetation naming tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine with over 300 species of mammals, close to 1000 species of birds, and hundreds and thousands of reptile, amphibian, and fish species.

Snow Leopard: Member of Big Cat Family :

Snow Leopard is definitely one of the prime attractions of Himalayan wildlife. The member of the large cat family and predator of many other animals living in the Himalayas, the Snow Leopard is known for its magnificent appearance and infuriated approach towards its prey. Gifted with beautiful white and yellowish skin, thick fur, and spots of black and brown, this large cat is listed among the endangered animals, the habitat of which is not easily accessible. Great Himalyan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Spiti is home to snow Leopard. Snow Leopard is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh.

The Snow Leopard prefers steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines to hide and likes to eat smaller animals when it comes to hunting. An estimated number of 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards are left in the wild and you need to be patient to get a glimpse of this otherwise shy animal.

Giant Panda : 

This amazing wild creature likes to hide in broadleaf and coniferous forests with dense bamboo trees at an elevation between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. With a body typical of bears, the giant Panda is white and black in color and has black fur especially on ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs, and shoulders. It has thick wooly skin that helps these bear looking animal stays warm even in the coldest atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the Giant Panda too is listed as endangered in the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species.

Himalayan Wild Yak: Local Inhabitants of Himalayas :

It is a type of Ox with relatively long hair and massive built with a drooping head that could stand about 6 feet tall at shoulder. Unlike other furious animals in this mountain range, Himalayan Wild Yak is useful as it provides meat, fiber, and milk to the locals. They are also one of the favorites of tourists who often enjoys Yak safari on the hilly regions of Himalayas. These are mainly found in Manali, Shimla, and Lahaul areas.

Himalayan Thar: Wild Goat :

There are three species of Thar found in the cold desert (Himalayas), Thar, Arabian Thar, and Nilgiri Thar and all of these species eat vegetation like grass, herbs, shrubs, leaves, and trees. This is one of most beautiful animal which resembles a goat but has longer hair in deep brown and red color.

Black Bear: 

The Himalayan Black Bear also called the Indian Black Bear is a common animal found in the Great Himalayas. This species is divided into two categories, the Himalayan brown Bear and Himalayan Black Bear, both of which are listed among the vulnerable species. Black Bear are violent towards humans and known to be the most deadly animal of India. Mainly found in Great Himalyan National Park.

They are omnivorous in nature and will eat just about anything, however, their diet mostly include acorns, nuts, fruit, honey, roots, and insects.

Himalayan Monal Pheasant:

This beautiful bird is gifted with features like metallic green crest, coppery feathers, and prominent white rump and it has so many vibrant patches that enhance its beauty further. The Himalayan Monal is regionally known as Impeyan Monal, Impeyan Pheasant. The bird is mainly found in Shimla and Kullu region.

Monal birds are great diggers and they dig up everything from roots to tubers to insects.

                              What makes the wildlife of Himachal unique, is how the majestic animals survive the subzero temperature and the roughness of the geography, while being some of the most elegant and powerful creatures. The major threat they face isn’t from the other predators, it is from the people, where deforestation, poaching have left them to fend for themselves and protect their species from extinction day by day. It is our job to admire and observe these animals, while also ensuring that we protect them and save their species.