Mountain Ungulates
Ungulates are hoofed animals, and key species in Pakistan include the Markhor, Urial, Ibex, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, and Marco Polo Sheep. These animals are vital as the primary prey of the endangered snow leopard and provide economic benefits to local communities through sustainable trophy hunting. Conservationists emphasize the need for proper monitoring to ensure the success of conservation efforts and ecosystem health. SLF monitors wild ungulate populations using advanced techniques, conducts ecological research, and collaborates with local communities to protect these important species.
Blue Sheep
The Blue Sheep, local name Bharal, has a bluish sheen in the coat and possesses distinctive horns that are ridged on the upper surface. Interestingly, the males have horns that grow upwards, turn sideways and curve backwards, looking somewhat like an upside-down mustache. However, females have horns that are much shorter and straighter. Bharal are […]
Ladakh Urial
Ladakh urial (Ovis vignei vignei) (known as Shapu in Balti, Ureen in Shina, Yatal in Broshaski language) is one of the six subspecies of Ovis vignei which differ in the size and color of the male winter neck-ruff, saddle patch, and horn shape. Ladakh urial is endemic to Ladakh (India) and Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan) and lives […]
Musk Deer
The Musk deer is an endangered species native to Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. Both sexes of the musk deer have prominent outstanding ears that assist it in detecting danger. The males possess a sizeable abdominal scent gland i.e., musk pod, the feature from which its name is derived. Musk deer is a solitary, territorial animal […]
Himalayan Ibex
The Himalayan Ibex is a symbol of arid and rocky mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, and the Himalayas of Gilgit-Baltistan. The males have a heavy body and large horns while the females have a small body and small horns. Ibex’s presence in its natural habitat is essential to maintain a healthy ecosystem. In Pakistan, the Himalayan […]
Markhor
The Markhor is an endangered species of wild goat that is native to the mountainous regions of Western and Central Asia; it is found in Northeastern Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Northern Pakistan particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza-Nagar Valley and the disputed territory of Kashmir. The Markhor most commonly inhabits the high-altitude monsoon forests that litter these […]