What makes the Himalayas so rich in wildlife?

The Himalayas stretch over a length of 2,400 km from west to east. Its average width across this expanse ranges from 100 to 400 km. This vast area along with the tremendous altitude gradients result in remarkable biodiversity which results in a mix of wildlife that is found nowhere else on Earth.

One of the most impressive animals found in the lower foothills of the Himalayas is the Indian rhinoceros. Assam is home to the largest population of Indian one-horned Rhinos. Another animal, the Himalayan musk deer is found at elevations of 2,200 m and above. It is native to Nepal, India, Bhutan and China.

Both the Indian rhinoceros and the musk deer are listed as endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Asiatic black bears, clouded leopards, langurs and Himalayan goat antelopes such as the tahr are also found in Himalayan forests. At higher elevations snow leopards, brown bears and the Himalayan yak may be found.

The red panda is found in the Eastern Himalayas in places like China, Nepal and Bhutan. The smallest of amphibious mammals, the Himalayan water shrew can be found in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Himalayan butterflies are extremely beautiful. The Himalayan Golden Birdwing has a wingspan of 194 mm and is the largest butterfly found in India.

Picture Credit : Google

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