BHARAL ― THE MOST SIGHTED UNGULATE OF NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK

摘要

The blue sheep or bharal (Pseudois nayaur), in both structure and habit, occupies an intermediate place between sheep and goats. It has affinities with both genera, i.e. Ovis and Capra, but according to habitat requirements and behavior, it is closer the goat (Schaller, 1973). The blue sheep lives in one of the remotest spots on earth. They prefer habitats in the higher ridges of the Himalayas between the timber and snow lines. Like sheep, they graze on open grassy slopes, but like goats, they climb well, even on precipitous cliffs (Prater, 1980). They alternately forage and rest throughout the day.