OT Staff & Waquar Habib
Known for its vibrant plumage, the Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttarakhand. This pheasant inhabits high-altitude forests and alpine meadows between 2,700 and 4,500 metres.
An apex predator of the Himalayas, the elusive snow leopard roams rugged terrains above 3,000 metres. It is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and dwindling prey populations.
This endangered deer species is known for its scent glands used in traditional perfumes. Found in steep, forested habitats, it is threatened by poaching and illegal trade.
Inhabiting the Eastern Himalayas, red pandas prefer temperate forests with bamboo undergrowth. Solitary and crepuscular, they face population decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
A large ungulate, the Himalayan tahr is adapted to steep mountain slopes. It has dense, reddish-brown fur and is often spotted at elevations of 2,500–5,000 metres.
This shy and rare pheasant prefers dense coniferous and oak forests. Its striking appearance and limited range in Himachal Pradesh make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers.
Bharal are mountain goats that blend remarkably with the rocky Himalayan landscape. They form a crucial part of the snow leopard’s diet and are found in Ladakh and Sikkim.
The Himalayan brown bear is one of the largest carnivores in the region. Found in alpine and subalpine zones, it hibernates during winter and is critically endangered.