bharal
The bharal, or blue sheep, is a caprine — part goat, part sheep — native to the high-altitude Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau grasslands. Despite its common name, it is not a true sheep; its unique anatomy places it between sheep and goats in evolutionary terms. The bharal is the primary prey of the snow leopard and plays a crucial role in the high-mountain food web.
Average Length
1.5 m
Average Weight
75 kg
Lifespan
15 years
Top Speed
N/A
Quick Facts
Bharal are the primary prey of snow leopards in the Indian Himalayas.
Their blue-grey coat provides perfect camouflage against rocky alpine terrain.
They are found in large numbers in Hemis National Park, Ladakh.
Taxonomically, bharal are intermediate between true goats and true sheep.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Herds of 10-100 individuals
Gestation Period
6 months
Litter Size
1
Predators
Snow Leopards, Wolves, Eagles
