Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Himachal Pradesh And Where To See Them

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state nestled in the Himalayas. The great altitudinal variation in the state from around 300 m of the Himalayan foothills to over 6,500 m of the snow-capped peaks means that it is home to many ecosystems and diverse species. Here are seven iconic wild animals living in Himachal Pradesh.

Snow Leopard

A snow leopard. Image credit: Eric Kilby from Somerville via Wikimedia Commons.

No mention of the wild animals of Himachal Pradesh can be complete without its state animal, the charismatic snow leopard. According to a recent estimate, Himachal Pradesh is home to 75 snow leopards. The two districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur were found to host the highest numbers of these big cats. Small populations are also found in the state's Kangra, Shimla, Kullu, and Chamba districts. The animal lives at altitudes ranging from 500 m to 5,800 m. Bharal and ibex are among the top prey species of the snow leopards in the area. Climate change, habitat loss and disturbance, retaliatory killings by locals, and poaching are major threats to the species.

Himalayan Blue Sheep

A Himalayan blue sheep. Image credit: Sirsendu Gayen via Wikimedia Commons.

Himalayan blue sheep numbers have been increasing recently in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. The success is due to the collective efforts of the locals and the forest department working to protect the species. This animal is an important prey species for the snow leopard, the area's apex predator. Locally called bharal, in the absence of tree cover in the high altitude where they live, these animals use their excellent camouflage to remain still when they see a predator so that they go undetected. Bharals suffer threats from habitat loss, cattle overgrazing, hunting, etc., across their Himalayan range.

Western Tragopan

Sign for the Western tragopan in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh. Image credit: John Hill via Wikimedia Commons.

In 2007, the Western tragopan was declared the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful bird is rare and elusive and prefers to live in conifer and oak forests with dense undergrowth. The species is endemic to the Greater Himalayas region and has an estimated wild population of mature individuals of around 3,300. During the breeding season in summer, the bird is found at higher altitudes of  2,400-3,600 m, while in winter, it shifts to altitudes between 1,750 m and 3,000 m. The threats to the Western tragopan have risen over the years. Habitat degradation and fragmentation are the biggest threats to these birds in Himachal Pradesh. Disturbance in nesting happens due to increased human movement through their habitat. Poaching for meat and feathers is also another major threat. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to see these birds. The state also has a conservation breeding program to raise these birds in captivity to release them later to add to the wild population.

Himalayan Brown Bear

A Himalayan brown bear. Image credit: Zoo Hluboka via Wikimedia Commons.

A highly threatened subspecies of the brown bear, the Himalayan brown bear, lives in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. In Himachal Pradesh, the Tundah and Kugti wildlife sanctuaries and the Chamba region are vital habitats for this bear. The buransh tree, a rhododendron species that produces the state flower of Himachal, is the favourite tree for this brown bear. However, the tree is heavily exploited for timber, leading to a loss of habitat for the bears. Himalayan brown bears are also subjected to poaching in some parts of their range for their body parts. 

Himalayan Musk Deer

A Himalayan musk deer. Image credit: GRID-Arendal via Flickr.com.

An endangered species, the Himalayan musk deer, is on the brink. For centuries, it has been hunted indiscriminately for the musk gland found in males of the species. The musk is sold in the illegal wildlife market for use in perfumery and traditional medicines. Himachal Pradesh remains one of the last homes of this threatened deer. Recently, it was spotted in the Pangi Valley of the Chamba Wildlife Division of the state. 

Himalayan Black-lored Tit

A Himalayan black-lored tit. Image credit: Koshy Koshy via Flickr.com.

A dainty little bird with a striking yellow and black plumage, the Himalayan black-lored tit is a treat to the eyes. It is a resident breeder in the lower altitudes of the Himalayas across the Indian subcontinent and is seen in the foothill regions of Himachal Pradesh. The bird feeds primarily on insects and spiders from the forest canopy.

Himalayan Ibex

A female Himalayan ibex. Image credit: Vikramaadityasumbria via Wikimedia Commons.

For long, the ibex found in the Himalayas was considered a subspecies of the Siberian ibex. However, recent studies by the ZSI have shown that it is a separate species. The Himalayan ibex is found at altitudes above 3,500 m and can move with great agility in the rocky terrain where it lives. It is admired for its distinct, long, curved horns. It is a major prey species for the snow leopard. In Himachal Pradesh, the Kibber village in the Spiti Valley is a prime location to spot these animals as they come to the area in winter along with other ungulates like blue sheep. Snow leopards also often follow them. Competition for grazing by livestock and habitat loss threaten the Himalayan ibex in their range.