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Source-This post on Census of Bharals (Blue sheep) and Himalayan ibex has been created based on the article “Census exercise begins in Himachal’s cold desert Lahaul & Spiti district to estimate blue sheep, Himalayan ibex” published in “Down to Earth” on 23 May 2024.
Why in News?
Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude, cold desert district of Lahaul & Spiti have initiated surveys to estimate the populations of blue sheep (bharal) and Himalayan ibex. These are the primary prey for the iconic snow leopard.
About Bharals (Blue Sheep)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Blue Sheep, also known as Bharal, is a species of caprid (goat-antelope) native to the high Himalayas. 2. The term “blue” refers to the bluish sheen on its coat, which can appear under certain lighting conditions. |
| Habitat | 1. Blue Sheep inhabit the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. 2. They prefer steep, rugged terrains where they can easily navigate and escape predators. 3. These areas often have sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops, providing them with ample hiding spots. |
| Physical Characteristics | 1. Blue Sheep have a robust build, with a body length of about 115 to 165 cm (45 to 65 inches). 2. Males are generally larger than females and possess distinctive backward-curving horns that can grow up to 80 cm (31 inches) in length. 3. Their coat is dense and woolly, providing insulation against the cold, with a bluish-gray colour that blends well with their rocky surroundings. |
| Diet | 1. Blue Sheep are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. 2. In the harsh, high-altitude environment, they adapt their diet to the seasonal availability of vegetation. 3. During the summer, they feed on fresh, green grasses. In winter, they survive on dry grasses and lichens. |
| Distribution | 1. Blue Sheep are distributed across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including parts of China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. 2. They are particularly abundant in the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. |
| Conservation Status | 1. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Blue Sheep as “Least Concern” due to their wide distribution and relatively stable population. 2. They do face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and competition with livestock for grazing areas. 3. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and reducing human-wildlife conflict to ensure their populations remain stable. |
About Himalayan ibex
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Himalayan Ibex is a subspecies of the Siberian Ibex which is a type of wild goat found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. 2. It is known for its impressive, curved horns and agility on steep terrains. |
| Habitat | 1. Himalayan Ibex inhabit high-altitude regions, typically between 3,200 to 5,000 meters (10,500 to 16,400 feet) above sea level. 2. They are found in rocky, precipitous areas where they can evade predators. 3. Their habitat includes alpine meadows, scree slopes, and cliffs, often in regions with sparse vegetation. |
| Physical Characteristics | 1. They are social animals and live in small groups, called herds. During the breeding season, males compete for the attention of females and establish a hierarchy within the herd. 2. Males are larger than females and possess long, curved horns that can reach up to 130 cm (51 inches) in length. 3. Their coat is thick and coarse, providing insulation against the cold. 4. The coloration varies seasonally, from brown in summer to a darker, more insulated coat in winter. |
| Diet | 1. They are herbivores and primarily graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. 2. They are well-adapted to the limited food resources of their high-altitude habitats, often feeding on whatever vegetation is available. |
| Distribution | 1. They are predominantly found in several regions of India, particularly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 2. They inhabit high-altitude areas of the Himalayas, including the Trans-Himalayan region, typically at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,800 meters. |
| Conservation Status | It is currently classified as a “Near Threatened” species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
