While the snow leopard is the star of the high Himalayas, it’s far from the only wild resident. If you’re lucky, a snow leopard tracking trip might also offer sightings of other rare and beautiful creatures that call this land home.
Here are some amazing animals and birds you can spot during the snow leopard expedition
Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal)
The Himalayan blue sheep, or bharal, is one of the most common and important animals in the snow leopard’s mountain world. Despite its name, it’s not really blue. Its short, dense coat looks slate-gray or bluish-grey, helping it blend perfectly with the rocky cliffs where it lives.
These are the snow leopard’s main prey. They blend perfectly with the rocky cliffs and are often seen grazing on steep slopes in large groups
Himalayan Ibex
The Himalayan ibex is the largest wild goat species in the Himalayas. With its muscular build and massive, backward-curving horns, it’s one of the most majestic animals of India’s high-altitude deserts, especially in Ladakh. You will also find them in the parts of Spiti
Himalayan Wolf
Himalayan wolves are slender and shy than regular wolves, these rare predators are hard to spot but they do share the same landscapes as snow leopards.
Red Fox
These small, clever mammals are quite common in some areas. Their fluffy tails and alert expressions make them a delight to see and photograph.
Read More About Red Fox
Himalayan Marmot
These chubby, ground-dwelling animals are fun to watch in summer. You’ll often hear their sharp whistles before you see them popping out of burrows.
Know More About Himalayan Marmot
Eurasian Lynx
Though very rare, the lynx has been recorded in parts of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It’s a solitary cat with tufted ears and a short tail.
Tibetan Argali
The world’s largest wild sheep, argali are found in a few remote corners of Ladakh. Males have massive curling horns and are symbols of strength.
Birds to Watch For in the valley
- Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) This huge bird with a wingspan of over 2.5 meters soars over cliffs and feeds mainly on bones!
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture Often seen circling the skies in groups.
- Chukar Partridge A common but colorful bird that walks around rocky slopes.
- Snow Partridge & Tibetan Snowcock Well-camouflaged birds often seen on early morning hikes.
Snow leopard landscapes are full of life if you know where to look and have the patience to wait. Even if you don’t see the big cat, the journey through these wild places is full of unforgettable wildlife moments.
