We know that Mount Everest which is located between Tibet and Nepal is the highest mountain in the world. With an altitude of 8,848 meters above sea level and an average peak temperature of -36°C, what animal can survive in these extreme conditions?
Make no mistake, it turns out that there are several animals that we can meet when climbing Mount Everest, you know! What are these tough animals?
1. Himalayan Bear
As the name implies, the Himalayan bear ( Ursus thibetanus laniger ) can be found in the Himalayan highlands of Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan and China. This bear has thick black fur with a white stripe on the chest. This animal can be found at an altitude of 3000-3700 meters above sea level.
However, when winter comes, Himalayan bears will descend to the plains with an altitude of 1,500 meters. This bear has a height of 140-170 cm and an average weight of 91-120 kilograms. Himalayan bears are omnivorous animals that usually eat fruit, honey, nuts, plant roots to insects such as beetle larvae and termites.
2. Himalayan goral
Another animal that can be found on Mount Everest is the Himalayan goral ( Naemorhedus goral ). The Himalayan goral is 95-130 cm long and weighs 35-42 kilograms. The coat is gray and brown, with a short mane on the neck for males. Both males and females have horns that can grow up to 18 cm.
You can find this animal in the highlands of the Himalayas, in the region of Bhutan, India, Nepal and Tibet. In India and Nepal, this animal can be found at an altitude of 900-2,750 meters, while in Pakistan it is found at an altitude of 1,000-4,000 meters. Unfortunately, this animal is included in the IUCN Red List due to poaching and habitat loss.
3. Himalayan mountain goat
The Himalayan mountain goat ( Hemitragus jemlahicus ) is no ordinary goat. He equips himself with thick fur and tassels at the neck to protect himself from the cold. This animal can be found in the highlands of the Himalayas, precisely in Tibet, India and Nepal. They usually eat grass, leaves and fruits.
Its horns are longer than the Himalayan goral, reaching 46 cm. These horns are used during the breeding season to fight over females from other males. They can live up to the age of 14-15 years. Just like the Himalayan goral, this goat is also included in the IUCN Red List. The population is decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.
4. Snow leopard
The snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) can be recognized by its thick, white fur with black spots. Among the big cats, the snow leopard has the thickest fur. This is a form of adaptation so that they can live in places that have extreme temperatures like Mount Everest.
However, thanks to its beautiful fur, the snow leopard is a target for hunters. Its skin and fur are expensive commodities on the black market, while its bones, claws and other body parts are often used in traditional Asian medicine. It is predicted that the current number of snow leopards is only 4,500-7,500.
5. Red panda
The red panda ( Ailurus fulgens ) inhabits the eastern part of the Himalayan highlands and southwestern China. This house cat-sized animal is recognized for its reddish-brown fur, long, thick tail and decorated with stripes. Just like the giant panda, bamboo is its main food.
Two-thirds of its daily diet is bamboo, the rest the red panda will eat eggs, insects, mulberry leaves, bark and flowers. They can live to be 8-10 years old, although some can live up to 15 years. Unfortunately, the red panda is included in the endangered category on the IUCN Red List.
6. Wild yak
Do you know, what is a wild yak ( Boss mutus )? This is a kind of cow animal that inhabits the Himalayan highlands. It is huge, reaching 2.5-3.3 meters in length and weighing 305-1,000 kilograms! Unlike ordinary cows, these animals have thick and thick fur to keep them warm in very cold places.
Wild yaks usually inhabit places with an altitude of 3000-5500 meters above sea level. They can be found in northern Tibet as well as some places in China and India. The current number is no more than 10,000, so the wild yak is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.
7. Musk deer
Finally, there are musk deer that inhabit Mount Everest. They are known for their large and long canine teeth and musk-like aroma. This deer has hind legs that are longer than its front legs. These animals have a length between 80-100 cm and weigh between 7-17 kilograms.
Anyway, only male antelope have musk glands and this scent is released to attract mates. Sadly, these deer are highly hunted for their scent glands. This gland is valued at around US $ 45,000 on the black market or around Rp. 627 million! Not surprisingly, the number continues to decline and is included in the endangered category on the IUCN Red List.
Well, that’s 7 animals that can be found while climbing Mount Everest. Do you have aspirations to go there?