The wildlife of Ladakh is as intriguing as its stunning landscapes, with many animals specially adapted to the tough, high-altitude conditions. While the wildlife here has similarities with that of Central Asia and Tibet, and its plant life resembles the Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh stands out for its diverse bird species. During the summer, it attracts birds from warmer parts of India, with up to 318 species—both permanent residents and seasonal visitors—calling Ladakh home.
Due to its rugged, high-altitude environment, the mammals, reptiles, and amphibians of Ladakh share many similarities with the wildlife of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau rather than with species from the broader Indian subcontinent. However, birds are an exception to this pattern. Many bird species migrate to Ladakh from warmer southern parts of India and beyond to escape the heat of summer. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, these migratory birds head south again, leaving Ladakh to the resident species that endure the cold.
Birds
In summer, Ladakh is alive with a variety of bird species. You can find many finches, robins, and redstarts, such as the black redstart, as well as the hoopoe. The brown-headed gull can be spotted along the river Indus and some lakes in Changthang. Among the resident water-birds are the brahminy duck and the bar-headed goose, known locally as the ngangpa.
One of the rarer sights is the black-necked crane (trhung-trhung). It which nests in Ladakh during the summer and is also found in scattered parts of the Tibetan Plateau. Other birds include the raven, red-billed chough, Tibetan snowcock, and chukar (a type of partridge, known as srakpa). Raptors like the lammergeier and the golden eagle are also common in the region. Additionally, Ladakh’s marshes serve as important breeding grounds for many migratory birds.
Snow Leopard
The snow leopard is a very shy and rare animal, which makes it exciting to see. To protect these cats, India started “Project Snow Leopard” with help from the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Local villagers in places like Hemis National Park, Nubra Valley, and Hanle are working together to keep snow leopards safe.
Because of these efforts, the number of snow leopards has been growing. You can see them during special treks from October to mid-March in Ladakh. These treks give people a chance to spot snow leopards and help with their protection.
Asiatic ibex
The Asiatic ibex, also known as the Siberian ibex, is a robust and resilient mountain goat found in Ladakh’s rugged landscapes. These animals are easily recognizable by their impressive curved horns, which can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) long. Their thick, tawny fur provides excellent insulation against the cold temperatures of high-altitude regions.
Adaptations and Lifestyle
Asiatic ibexes are perfectly adapted to the rocky, steep terrain of Ladakh. Their hooves are specially designed to grip rocky surfaces, allowing them to navigate cliffs and steep slopes with ease. They are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, shrubs, and lichen. Despite their size and strength, Asiatic ibexes are agile climbers, which helps them escape predators and find food in the harsh mountain environment.
Tibetan Antelope (Chiru)
The Tibetan antelope is known for its soft and valuable wool called shahtoosh, which is used to make expensive shawls. Unfortunately, to obtain this wool, the antelope has to be killed, making it a target for poachers. It takes about four antelopes to make just one shawl, which adds to the threat they face.
Tibetan antelopes are shy animals that live in high-altitude regions. They form large herds made up of females and young antelopes. The males usually stay apart from these herds but join them during the breeding season.
Himalayan Marmot
Himalayan marmots are rodents found in dry, open habitats like alpine meadows, grasslands, and deserts. They are about the size of a house cat and belong to the squirrel family. Marmots have sturdy limbs and a short tail.
These animals live in burrows that they dig themselves. They hibernate in these burrows for over six months each year. During the warmer months, they eat grasses, roots, leaves, and seeds from various plants. Marmots often stand on their hind legs to watch for danger and make loud noises if they sense a threat.
Ladakh Urial
The Ladakh urial, also known as the red sheep, is native to Ladakh and is the smallest of all wild sheep species. It has distinctive, slender horns that curve backward and are often wrinkled. Adult males are marked by a dark ruff of fur that extends from their throat to their chest.
In the summer, the Ladakh urial sheds its thick winter coat. Males are generally larger and heavier than females, who have shorter horns and smaller bodies. These sheep live in herds and are typically found on steep, grassy mountain slopes. During the winter, they move to lower elevations to find more food.
Red Fox
The red fox is a common animal in Ladakh’s wild areas. It has a bright red coat and a bushy tail, which helps it stay warm in the cold climate. These foxes are very good at adapting to different environments, whether it’s open fields or rocky hills. They use their sharp senses to find food like small animals, birds, and insects.
Red foxes change their diet depending on the season. In winter, they often rely on food they’ve stored or hunt for small animals that are active in the cold. They’re clever and quick, which helps them avoid danger and find what they need to survive. Even though they’re good at adapting, they still face challenges from the harsh weather and human activities.
Tibetan Wolf
In India, there are two species of wolves, and the Tibetan wolf, also known as shanku, is found in Ladakh. This wolf is hunted by locals to protect their livestock. It has a sturdy body, thin legs, and a V-shaped head. Its thick winter coat helps it survive the cold.
Only about 300 Tibetan wolves are estimated to remain in the entire Himalayan region. In winter, they move down to lower elevations but return to the snowline in summer. Tibetan wolves are very shy and secretive and are primarily found on the Changthang Plateau, in the Markha Valley, and in the upper Suru and Zanskar regions.
Tibetan argali
The Tibetan argali is the largest wild sheep species, with eight different types of argali found in India. Known as the Great Tibetan sheep, it has long legs and a strong body, resembling an antelope. The males have impressive, wrinkled horns that form a single circle.
Tibetan argali live in high-altitude plains and hills, rarely going below 4,500 meters. They are mainly found in the eastern part of the Changthang region in Ladakh.
Tibetan gazelle
The Tibetan gazelle is not well-documented, but it is known to have a stocky, barrel-shaped body and a grey color. Its legs are thin, and the tip of its tail is black. This gazelle lives in open landscapes and can be found in valleys and high ridges of the Himalayan mountains.
Tibetan gazelles are very shy and quickly run away if they sense danger. Their population is estimated to be between 70 and 80 individuals, and they are primarily found in the Kalak-Tartar plains south of Hanle Valley.
Tibetan wild ass
In Ladakhi, the Tibetan wild ass is known as “kiang.” It is the largest wild ass species in both Africa and Asia. The kiang has a large head and a powerful body, with big hooves. Its back is reddish-brown, while its belly is white. Both males and females look the same.
Kiangs are commonly seen in the open grasslands of the Changthang region, especially around Tso Moriri Lake and Tso Kar. They are also frequently spotted during the Rumtse to Tso Moriri trek in the Rupshu Valley.
Woolly hare or Tibetan hare
Woolly hares are mainly found in upland grasslands and cold deserts at elevations between 3,000 and 5,300 meters. They are friendly animals that are most active during dusk and dawn. Their fur is thick and curly, with a short, bushy tail and a brownish-grey coat. Males and females look the same.
Woolly hares eat a diet of herbs, plants, roots, and grasses. You can find them in the Rupshu and Changthang plains, as well as in the Markha and Rumbak valleys of Hemis National Park.
Mountain weasel
The mountain weasel is a carnivorous animal that preys on pikas, birds, and lizards. It has a slender, elongated body with short, slender limbs and a tail that is half the length of its body. The weasel’s head is triangular with long whiskers. Its coat is chocolate brown but turns pale in winter.
Males are generally heavier than females, even though both are similar in size. Mountain weasels live for about seven years and are known for their agility and versatility, which allows them to run, climb, and swim with ease. Unfortunately, their numbers are decreasing, and they are classified as near threatened.
