Bharal

Bharal Facts

• The deceptively short term of Bharal represents the most frequently used common name for this truly remarkable mammal. The creature does possess several alternate titles by which it’s known, though. Those options include Blue Sheep, Naur, and even Himalayan blue sheep.
• Inside the halls of science, however, it’s probably much better known by its purely technical designation. That’s a comparatively simple one for the layperson to pronounce, at least compared to many others. This remains true since it holds the formal tag of Pseudois nayaur
• The impressive creation of Nature and evolution received that specific moniker due to the efforts of Brian Houghton Hodgson. The highly respected British naturalist accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that deed in 1846.
• The first serious scientific observations of this ruminant, though, did not occur until mu ch later, in 1973. Previously, this fascinating recluse of Nature had been thought to be a variety of sheep. Recent DNA analysis of the Bharal actually reveals a much closer relationship to goats.
• Interestingly, this surprising species of ruminant plays an extremely unique role in the culture of its region. The creature has long enjoyed a special relationship with the occupants of numerous Buddhist monasteries in its endemic range, who often protected the creatures.
• Sadly, however, in more recent times, concerns over Bharal-related crop damage have begun to arise in numerous portions of its natural range. This occurrence has had a most regrettable result. These events have, in fact, been putting great pressure on those who strive to protect it.
• For the moment, however, the IUCN lists this wonder of the natural world as Least Concern. This appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. Nevertheless, it must be considered to be at risk from the ongoing effects of climate change, like other forms of life.

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Bharal Physical Description

The beautiful Bharal rarely if ever fails to capture the immediate attention and appreciation of those individuals fortunate enough to encounter it in the wild. Unlike some of its relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. That’s because it’s not only lovely, but boasts respectable dimensions.

In multiple respects, it follows a pattern of natural development that mirrors that demonstrated by countless animals around the world. That’s the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. It, however, only does so to a very minor extent.

Intriguingly, the magnificent creature presents this trait solely in terms of simple size. As a general principle, males of the amazing species achieve greater measurements, in length, height, and mass. Obviously, though, exceptional individuals do sometimes occur, wholly regardless of sex.

Overall, the fascinating animal attains an average head and body length equaling approximately 65 in (165 cm). The short, relatively stubby tail adds, at most, an additional 7.9 in (20 cm) to its length. The largest individual observed to date measured roughly 36 in (91 cm) tall at the shoulder. 

Meanwhile, the coat enthralling Bharal grows short and comparatively quite dense in nature. It also usually displays a slate gray color, commonly with a bluish sheen. The belly and part of the legs generally present an off-white color, while the chest and front of the legs usually show black.

Perhaps most surprisingly of all, both genders actually grow horns. In this manner, the awesome caprid distinguishes itself form the majority of related species.  Impressively, among males, these grow to lengths of as much as 31 in (80 cm), while those of the female rarely exceed 8 in (20.3 cm).

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Bovidae
• Genus: Pseudois
• Species: P. nayaur

Bharal Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The stunning Bharal also evolved as native to a harsh regionof the earth’s surface. That indigenous territory also constitutes a highly restricted portion of Asia. This range includes certain portions of what we now know as the five countries of India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet.

Within that greater overall range, however, the attention-grabbing creature only inhabits a very specific type of habitat. For starters, it only lives on high mountain slopes. Secondly, though, the truly impressive large bovine typically lives on those that contain numerous rocky cliffs and ledges.

Safely residing within these, the animal quite effectively uses both characteristics of its environment for both camouflage and defense. Its natural coloring allows it to blend in extremely well with the coloring of the prevailing native stone. This provides it at least some protection from predators.

The intrepid Bharal also evolved remarkably good natural instincts. Individuals of this wonder rarely stray more than 650 ft (200 m) from the always present ledges and cliffs. Additionally, its highly surefooted nature commonly allows it to escape attacking predators by leaping onto tiny ledges.

The unforgettable species also holds yet another surprise for those who learn of the marvel. Within its native range, this fabulous creation of Nature actually has very few known natural predators. Unfortunately, however, it nevertheless does possess a few of them, as most creatures do.

To the knowledge of those engaged in ongoing research, its most common natural enemies primarily include the gorgeous Snow Leopard. Nonethelss, it also sometimes falls prey to human hunters. But, its main threat consists of competition from livestock for available food sources.

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