Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is not just a destination for climbers but also a unique habitat for diverse wildlife. Mount Everest’s ecosystem is a mystery of adaptation and survival. Despite its extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions, the region supports a surprising variety of plant and animal life, each uniquely adapted to the environment.
Studying the Mount Everest fauna can help us understand how life may adapt to harsh environments. It also emphasizes how crucial conservation efforts are to shield these delicate ecosystems from the effects of human activity and climate change.
Numerous conservation initiatives are being carried out to preserve Mount Everest’s biodiversity. These include community-based conservation initiatives that involve locals in preserving their natural heritage, habitat protection, and anti-poaching efforts.
This blog explores the fascinating wildlife of Mount Everest, highlighting their adaptations, conservation efforts, and the impact of human activities.
Geographic and Climatic Conditions
Located in the Himalayas, Mount Everest straddles the border between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal. The varying climate zones, from lush forests at lower altitudes to the icy peaks, create diverse habitats for different species. Features such as glaciers, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows provide niches for specialized wildlife.
Altitude and Climate
The base of Mount Everest is around 5,300 meters (17,388 feet) high, while the summit is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) high. Strong winds, low oxygen levels, and freezing temperatures define the climate, posing severe difficulties for plants and animals.
Impact on wildlife
The high altitude and harsh environment restrict the kinds of animals that can live on Everest. To survive the cold, low oxygen levels, and scarcity of food supplies, the local wildlife has developed specific adaptations.
Adaptations to Harsh Environments
On Mount Everest, animals and plants have unique adaptations. These include behavioral adaptations like seasonal migration and hibernation, as well as physiological changes like enhanced red blood cell synthesis in animals and antifreeze proteins in plants.
Read Our Blog Where is Mount Everest Located on a map?
List of Mount Everest Wildlife
Living in Mount Everest’s bitterly cold climate is extremely difficult. People start to experience altitude sickness when the oxygen content in Namche decreases. However, few animals have ever used their adaptation to test human capabilities before base camp. Their food, robust feet, and fur-coated bodies enable them to survive even in the Himalayas. The following are some examples of animals that do not mind existing in sub-zero temperatures.
1. Himalayan Tahrs
Wild mountain goats indigenous to the Himalayas are known as Himalayan tahrs. The Everest region in eastern Nepal is home to significant populations of these goats. The small skull, huge eyes, tiny pointed ears, and horns of the Himalayan tahr give it a very unique appearance.
Female Himalayan tahrs have smaller horns and a smaller frame and are often lighter than their male counterparts. Their heavy red wool coats also shield them from the harsh Everest climate. These untamed mountain goats typically consume grass, leaves, and fruits because they are herbivores. The average lifespan of a Himalayan tahr is 14–15 years.
Generally, male Tahrs weigh an average of 73 kg or more, making them larger than females. They have highly flexible, sharp-rimmed hooves with a hard outer shell that helps them get traction on rocks and chinks. The diet of the Himalayan Tahr consists of grass, leaves, and wild fruits that grow somewhere between 8,200 feet and 16,000 feet.
2. Red Panda
A cute tiny animal like the red panda would never have imagined that it would be so brave to face the extreme cold of Mount Everest. However, as the animal is native to the eastern Himalayas, that is precisely what it is.
Red pandas are among the endangered animal species that call Mount Everest home, along with Himalayan tahrs, whose numbers are steadily dropping. Due to the high price at which their fur may be sold on the illicit market, poaching is the primary factor contributing to their impending extinction. Red pandas have thick, reddish-brown fur that extends into a long, hairy tail, as you may have guessed from their name.
The red panda eats insects, birds, and bamboo, which make up the majority of its diet. Furthermore, red pandas have a solitary and territorial disposition and are generally cautious animals.
Red panda lives have been in danger due to climate change for a considerable amount of time. Accordingly, the animal will genuinely vanish from the Everest region as well as from the entire planet if the issue is not promptly handled and resolved.
3. Snow Leopard
The snow leopard is among the most well-known animals indigenous to the Himalayas. Unfortunately, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists beautiful snow leopards as “threatened” on the Red List of Threatened Species. Less than 10,000 mature snow leopards exist in the wild today, and their numbers are steadily declining. The two main factors putting this lovely species in jeopardy are habitat degradation and poaching.
The snow leopard’s natural habitat is the Himalayan highlands, which can be found at 3,000 to 4,500 meters. Because of its numerous adaptations, the snow leopard can withstand the extreme weather on Mount Everest. These adaptations include huge paws that enable them to walk through the snow quickly and small, rounded ears that reduce the amount of heat the leopards lose.
Snow leopards’ thick fur on their backs improves their grip on steep and unstable ground. Moreover, snow leopards store fat in their long, thick, flexible tails, which also aid in their balance on rough terrain.
4. Musk Deer
Musk deer are readily confused for little deer but are members of a distinct family. The primary distinction between musk deer and tiny deer is that the former has a particularly unique musk gland (hence the name), while the latter lacks antlers and facial glands. Musk deer are primarily found in the alpine forests and brush in the Himalayan foothills. Musk deer only consume plants because they are herbivores, which means they eat grasses, leaves, mosses, lichens, and forests. In addition, musk deer are exclusively nocturnal creatures, only moving from twilight until dawn.
In musk deer, the musk gland plays a crucial role in the mating season by secreting scents that draw potential mates. They mark their area with their scent as well. Not only do muskrats cherish their aroma, but their smell glands are also traded for approximately £33,000 per kilogram on the black market.
5. Wild Yak: The Everest Icon
Giant animals, such as wild yaks, are the largest species of bovids (animals belonging to the family Bovidae) and are the ancestors of domestic cattle. Regardless of gender, wild yaks are enormous. However, females are 30% smaller than males. These creatures can withstand the severe weather in the Everest region thanks to their large, hefty builds. In order to keep warm, they also have scruffy hair and a thick, woolly undercoat.
Wild yaks are usually found in alpine regions between 3,000 and 5,500 meters high, where there is dense grass. Wild yaks, for all their grandeur and imposing appearance, are herbivores at heart. Therefore, grasses, herbs, bushes, mosses, and lichens make up a substantial portion of these animals’ diet.
6. Himalayan Goral
Every traveler that Himalayan Goral encounters always manages to have a bright smile on their face. The animal poses little threat to people, even though a few of them are not amiable. The Goral, which is ubiquitous in the Himalayas, usually gathers in groups of four to twelve for hunting.
The creatures range in length from 130 cm to 95 cm, with the smallest one weighing between 77 and 93 lbs. They typically have pale brown legs, gray or gray-brown fleece, and solitary, thread-like lines down their spines. Their horns are tiny, bent back, and can grow up to 18 centimeters in length. They are adept at hiding from view in order to avoid being seen by people. The untamed creature stays active during the day to consume soft grasses and leaves.
The Himalayan Goral, which has a maximum lifespan of 15 years, is gradually becoming extinct due to rising temperatures. However, the animal must be maintained because it is already classified as a near-threatened species on the IUCN Red List.
7. Black Bear
Himalayan Black Bears are rare and endangered, with only a small number remaining on the earth. Due to their insensitivity to cold, they may survive in tropical forests at 1,500 meters in the Himalayas.
Their dense coat of black fur protects them from the cold weather like a cozy comforter. They travel to warmer regions in the summer, which strengthens and enhances their ability to adapt. The Himalayan
Black Bear is a carnivorous animal that forages through forests in search of food, including nuts, honey, and acorns. The majority of the time, Himalayan Black Bears do not harm humans, but when provoked, they can become vicious and violent.
8. Mountain Weasel
Mountain weasels, which usually live in tunnels, tree trunks, and rock crevices, prefer the high-altitude habitats of the Himalayas. High-altitude regions from Kazakhstan to the Nepalese Everest region are home to mountain weasels.
Mountain weasels are incredibly gifted animals that can run, swim, and climb. Their long, slender body and tiny legs give them great agility, allowing them to execute this. These creatures can converse with one another both vocally and visually, and they also have fantastic vision. However, because mountain weasels are nocturnal, solitary creatures that only come together for mating, they do not require frequent communication.
9. Himalayan Pika
10. Yellow-Throated Marten
Native to Asia, the yellow-throated marten is also referred to as the kharza and chuthraul. This fluffy critter is the most prominent member of the marten family of carnivores, and it resembles weasels. The fur of the yellow-throated marten is striking, with brown, black, yellow, and white tones. This animal eats both plants and animals because it is an omnivore. The primary foods the yellow-throated marten consume are fruit, nectar, and small mammals like deer.
The yellow-throated marten has few predators, but those that do try to scare it away with its muscular physique and foul-smelling body. Occasionally, big animals like Asian black bears and Siberian tigers may hunt these martens.
11. Himalayan Monal
One species of pheasant indigenous to the Himalayan forests is the Himalayan monal. Fortunately, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species does not list this bird as endangered. In Nepal, the Himalayan monal is also referred to as daphne. The “daphne” is the national bird of Nepal, which is interesting information about this species.
At almost 70 cm in length, the Himalayan monal is a sizable pheasant. This bird is mainly found in the foothills of the Himalayas, which stretch from Sikkim to Afghanistan. But at any altitude between 2,700 and 3,700 m, the Himalayan monal can also be found on grassy slopes, alpine meadows, and cliffs. This bird may descend to 2,000 meters during the winter. In the winter, it can sift through the snow in search of plant roots and insects to eat.
12. Blood Pheasant
A short-tailed pheasant native to the Eastern Himalayas is called the blood-pheasant. Due to its modest size, this bird is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species as a species of “least concern.” This is in spite of the blood pheasant’s numbers gradually declining.
Blood pheasants are threatened by several different things. These dangers include fragmentation, unlawful harvesting, habitat degradation, and human disturbance. These birds have a lengthy incubation period and ground-nesting behaviors, which put them at significant risk. As a result, they are more susceptible to habitat loss and trampling.
13. Grandala
The grayish-brown coat and the characteristic white stripe that runs across its face make the Grandala an impressive medium-sized horned ungulate. Its long, thin horns contribute to its distinctive look and are one of its most remarkable characteristics.
The Grandala is a species that lives at great altitudes in the Himalayas, namely in areas between 4,000 and 6,000 meters. It is usually found in rocky areas and alpine meadows, where it has adapted to the challenging environment. Because it is the only known ungulate species to reproduce at elevations higher than 6,000 meters, this animal is especially noteworthy for its remarkable ability to adapt to harsh surroundings.
The Grandala is gregarious by nature and usually forms herds of up to 100 members. These herds are busiest during the day when they graze on the plentiful grass, herbs, and lichens found in their high-altitude environments.
Grandala encounters are more common in other regions, like the vast meadows of Gorak Shep and the rocky terrain surrounding Kala Patthar. The “Everest Base Camp Approach” mainly offers the best circumstances for seeing these species in their native environment. Their presence enhances these high-altitude environments’ distinct biodiversity and attractiveness.
14. Golden Eagle
One of the biggest and strongest eagles in the world, the golden eagle is a majestic and fearsome bird of prey. It lives in the highlands of Asia and Europe, at elevations of 3000 to 5000 meters. These eagles favor wide-open spaces where they may easily hunt for their favorite prey—marmots, hares, and rabbits.
The golden eagle is a lone predator that is most active during the day when it can see far to locate its prey. It is a skilled hunter, able to bring down its target with a forceful and quick swipe.
The Golden Eagle, also called the Tiger of the bird realm, is another magnificent animal found in the Everest Region. This is said because, like the renowned Bengal Tiger, it has enormous dark brown wings that carve out its own hunting territory.
In some high-altitude areas, encounters with Golden Eagles are frequent. The bird is frequently spotted soaring far above the hilly terrain, especially in the area around Gokyo Lake and the untamed region close to Lobuche. The “Gokyo Eagle Watchpoint” area is great for seeing these fantastic eagles in their native environment. Their presence enhances the breathtaking fauna found in these high-altitude areas, drawing in birdwatchers and environment lovers alike.
15. Tibetan Snowcock
The Tibetan snowcock is a beautiful medium-sized bird that resembles a grouse. Its mottled gray and white plumage helps it blend in well with its rocky, high-altitude environment. The bird can be identified by its eye-catching red patch and short, black tail.
The Tibetan Snowcock is a solitary bird that is most active in the daytime. Its primary means of foraging is on the ground, where it can easily traverse the rough terrain. Its remarkable tenacity is demonstrated by the fact that it is one of the few bird species able to survive at elevations exceeding 5,000 meters.
In some high-altitude areas, encounters with the Tibetan Snowcock are most frequent. It is frequently observed flowing smoothly through the vast meadows surrounding Gokyo Lake and the steep terrain close to Cho La Pass. One of the best places to see this fantastic bird in its native habitat is the “Renjo La Pass” area. Its presence highlights the area for birdwatchers and environmental enthusiasts, contributing to the distinctive avian variety of these high-altitude locations.
Common Plant Species
- Rhododendron: This plant, which is also our country’s national flower, is sure to appear on your EBC climb. The abundance of rhododendrons in lower-altitude forests is the reason behind this.
- Juniper: Juniper trees are evergreens found in the Himalayan region’s woodlands at moderate altitudes. Their wood is fragrant and used to make incense, making them highly sought after.
- Himalayan Birch: On the other hand, it is a type of tree that grows at high elevations and has thin, peeling white bark.
- Edelweiss: Grown in alpine meadows, edelweiss is a small flowering plant that is well-known for its fluffy white petals.
In addition, as you ascend, the trip route passes through alpine meadows, which are home to high-altitude mushrooms, herbs, and small floral plants.
But above 5750 meters, the atmosphere turns exceedingly frigid, preventing plant growth. Only mosses and lichens remain in the flora. After that, the Himalayan Arctic zone’s permanent snowline is all that is visible.
Wildlife Encounters on Trek
The Everest Base Camp trip passes through the lower belt, which includes Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. These locations are encircled by thick forests where you can see a variety of species. This area has various unusual, exotic, and endangered plant and animal species that persist despite the harsh environment and global dispersal. As previously indicated, it is possible that you will see a lot of them on your EBC climb. As a result, you need to schedule your travel at the optimal times for the flowers to bloom and the animals and birds to migrate.
With Tidy Himalaya, every step of your journey is enriched by the possibility of witnessing nature’s wonders up close, making your adventure to Everest Base Camp an unforgettable and immersive experience.
Impact of Climate Change on Everest Wildlife
Everest’s wildlife is being severely impacted by climate change, which is changing temperatures and weather patterns, resulting in habitat loss and food scarcity. Because of their slow rate of adaptation, animals like the Tibetan Snowcock, Golden Eagle, and Grandala are at risk of going extinct as a result of habitat fragmentation brought on by warming temperatures and shifting vegetation zones caused by melting glaciers.
Preserving biodiversity and the resilience of the region’s ecosystems in the face of these changes depend heavily on conservation efforts, which include establishing protected areas, studies to identify specific consequences, and plans to lessen adverse effects.
Summing Up
In conclusion, the hidden northeastern region of Nepal—the Everest Region—is evidence of the breathtaking splendors of nature. The area is rich in flora and fauna, and it is well-known as the home of Mount Everest, which adds to the mystery and depth of trekkers’ adventures. We therefore urge you to set out on your trek to reach Everest Base Camp. It is possible that you may see the fantastic and uncommon animals that survive in the varied ecosystem in addition to the famous, picturesque, and majestic beauty.
Additionally, each species adds something special to the allure of hiking, surprising us with things like striking rhododendron flowers and elusive snow leopards.
Thus, the Tidy Himalaya Team and I extend a warm invitation for you to experience this extraordinary landscape, where every step reveals a new marvel and every moment spent in nature leaves a lasting effect on the soul.
FAQs
Numerous faunal species, including the Tibetan Snowcock, golden eagle, and Grandala, can be found on Mount Everest. These species have developed to survive in the severe alpine climate of the Himalayas.
Animals on Mount Everest have evolved unique adaptations to withstand the extreme cold, including effective respiratory systems, insulating fur or feathers, and ground-feeding and grouping together for warmth and safety.
Everest’s wildlife has suffered dramatically as a result of climate change, which has altered temperature and weather patterns, reduced food supplies, and destroyed habitats. Certain species are forced to move to higher altitudes by melting glaciers and shifting vegetation zones, which increases the risk of extinction if they are unable to adapt rapidly.
Although animals do not ascend Mount Everest in the same manner as people do, some, like the Tibetan Snowcock, are known to be able to negotiate the rocky areas at high altitudes close to the mountain’s base and lower slopes.
In fact, certain birds can fly over Everest. Some species, such as the bar-headed geese, are renowned for their unique ability to fly at great altitudes, which enables them to soar over the Himalayan ranges.
The bar-headed goose is one famous example of an animal that can fly over Mount Everest. These birds can live and navigate the thin air at extremely high altitudes because of their particular physiological adaptations.
