The Everest Base Camp Trek is a journey through remote areas on Earth. It offers stunning Himalayan views and a chance to experience a unique blend of nature and adventure. One of its attractions is the diverse range of wildlife.
The Everest Region allows you to explore its diverse flora and fauna. You'll encounter lush rhododendron forests at lower elevations, vibrant with spring blooms and pine forests. Wildlife is equally fascinating, with the major highlights being the Himalayan Tahr and Snow Leopard.
On the lower slopes, the Red Panda adds a splash of colour, while various bird species, like the vibrant Himalayan Monal, and unique animals, such as the Himalayan Pika, enhance the trek's natural beauty. Explore more about Wildlife in Everest Base Camp Trek in our comprehensive guide.
What Animals Live on Mount Everest?
Mount Everest is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Mount Everest’s frozen cold atmosphere and harsh conditions create a challenging environment for wildlife. Despite the extreme cold and high altitude, various animals have adapted to survive in this rugged terrain.
Here are some of the key species:
Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard is among the Everest region's most rare and majestic animals. It is also known as the “Ghost of the Mountains,” an extremely rare and endangered big cat.
They are found in the upper reaches of the Himalayas at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 m, including the areas around Everest. They prey on animals such as Himalayan tahr and blue sheep. The snow leopard is well adapted to high altitudes and harsh climates because its thick fur and significant nasal passages help it breathe in the thin air. Its vast paws allow it to climb snowy slopes easily. Their long, thick tails are a fat reserve and help them stay balanced on rugged ground.
Himalayan Black Bear
Though the Himalayan black bear is an integral part of the region's ecosystem, they are less commonly seen. It is generally found in tropical forests at lower altitudes from 1,500 meters and above and prefers forested areas where it can search for food.
Its diet includes fruits, insects, and small mammals. Its thick black fur acts like a warm coat, protecting it from the cold. In summer, it moves to warmer areas, which enhances its adaptability and strength. Despite their rare sightings, these bears contribute to the biodiversity of the Everest region.
Himalayan Tahr
The Himalayan Tahr is a large herbivore that lives on the steep, rocky slopes of the Everest region. It is found at elevations between 2,500 and 4,000 meters (8,200 to 13,100 feet). Its thick, reddish-brown fur provides insulation against the cold, and its strong hooves help it navigate the rugged terrain. Their strong claws are adapted for climbing trees and digging.
The male Himalayan Tahr is typically more significant than the female, averaging around 73 kg or more in weight. The Tahr feeds on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation in its alpine habitat.
Himalayan Goral
The Himalayan Goral is a goat antelope found in Everest's rocky, hilly areas and cliffs. It lives at 2,000 to 3,500 meters (6,500 to 11,500 feet).
These large, goat-like animals have thick reddish-brown fur, which provides insulation against the cold. Their keen eyesight and alert nature help them detect predators, such as Snow Leopards, from a distance.
Their strong hooves are adapted for climbing rocky terrain. They are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation in their alpine habitat.
Red Panda
The Red Panda, often associated with the lower altitudes of the eastern Himalayas, is found in some parts of the Everest region. It prefers dense, bamboo-rich forests and can be found in the lower forested slopes of the Everest region, from about 2,200 to 4,800 meters (7,200 to 15,700 feet).
Red pandas are arboreal and spend much of their time in trees. They are known for their striking reddish-brown fur and playful behaviour. Their bushy tail and specialized wrist bones act as thumbs, helping with climbing and finding food. They primarily feed on bamboo, fruits, small mammals and insects.
Bharal (Blue Sheep)
The Bharal, or Blue Sheep, is a significant herbivore in the Everest region. They are typically found on steep, rocky slopes and alpine meadows between 3,000 and 5,000 meters (9,800 to 16,400 feet).
These animals are well-adapted to high altitudes and rugged terrain, and their blue-grey fur is one of their most distinguishing features. They are a crucial food source for predators like snow leopards and play an essential role in the ecosystem. Bharal primarily feeds on grasses, herbs, and other vegetation available in their high-altitude environment.
Wild Yak: The Everest Icon
The Wild Yak is an iconic species of the Everest region found at altitudes from 4,000 to 6,000 meters (13,100 to 19,700 feet). Its thick, shaggy coat protects it from extreme cold. Its large, muscular body and strong legs are adapted for carrying heavy loads and navigating rugged terrain.
They are crucial for the local economy and culture, providing transportation and resources for the people living in high-altitude areas. Wild Yaks are herbivorous and graze on grasses, lichens, and shrubs.
Mountain Weasel
The Mountain Weasel is a fascinating and rare resident of Everest’s high-altitude terrains. Its sleek, elongated body perfectly adapts to the rugged environment, effortlessly slipping between rocks in search of prey.
This small predator primarily hunts rodents, birds, and insects, using its sharp teeth and agility to capture its meals. The Mountain Weasel’s fur changes colour with the seasons, providing effective camouflage against predators and prey alike. In the winter, its coat turns white, blending in with the snow, while in the summer, it adopts a brownish hue to match the rocky surroundings. It helps control small mammal populations and maintain the ecological balance.
Himalayan Pika
The Himalayan Pika is a small, rabbit-like animal that lives at Everest's high altitude, between 3,000 and 4,800 meters (9,800 to 15,700 feet). It is known for its high-pitched calls and role in the ecosystem as a prey species for larger predators. The pika’s diet consists mainly of grasses and other plant material.
Pikas have a rounded body, short legs, and a dense coat that helps them stay warm. They are well-adapted for living in harsh, high-altitude conditions. They are herbivorous and feed on grasses, herbs, and leaves.
Yellow-Throated Marten
The Yellow-Throated Marten is a relatively rare predator found in the forested areas of the Everest region, generally from 2,500 to 4,000 meters (8,200 to 13,100 feet).
Its distinctive yellow throat patch and agile movements make it fascinating. The marten preys on small mammals, birds, and insects and contributes to the area's biodiversity. It has a distinctive yellow throat patch and a long, bushy tail. Its agile body and sharp claws are adapted for climbing and hunting. It feeds on various small animals, including rodents, birds, and insects.
What Birds live on Mount Everest?
Himalayan Monal
The Himalayan Monal, also known as daphne in Nepali, is Nepal's national bird. It is found in forested areas and alpine meadows, usually at elevations of 2,400 to 4,500 meters (7,900 to 14,800 feet).
It is a pretty big pheasant with shades of green, blue, and red, making it a striking sight in the Everest region. Its striking appearance helps it blend into its colourful surroundings. Himalayan Monals primarily feed on seeds, insects, and small plants.
Blood Pheasant
The Blood Pheasant is a striking bird with its red plumage. It prefers open, rocky, and alpine areas at elevations from 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,400 feet) and is adapted to the cold climate of Everest. It can be found in the forested lower elevations, typically between 2,500 and 4,500 meters (8,200 to 14,800 feet).
They have a distinctive red and white plumage, robust body, and strong legs. It has bright blue plumage with a contrasting black head, providing visibility and camouflage. Its strong legs and sharp beak aid in hunting.
Grandala
The Grandala is a colourful bird found in the higher altitudes of the Everest region, from 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,400 feet). Its bright blue plumage with a contrasting black head provides visibility and camouflage. Its strong legs and sharp beak aid in searching for food.
The Grandala feeds on insects and berries and contributes to the diversity of bird species in the region.
Tibetan Snowcock
The Tibetan Snowcock is a large bird native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, generally from 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,400 feet). It is well-adapted to the cold climate of Everest, with its dense plumage and strong legs that help it navigate the rocky terrain.
They have a robust body and camouflaged plumage, which helps them blend into their rocky environment.
They eat seeds, berries, and insects. Although the Tibetan Snowcock is a relatively rare sight, it contributes to the diversity of birdlife in the region. The Grandala plays an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and controlling insect populations, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the Everest region.
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is one of the most giant birds of prey in the Himalayas. It inhabits various high-altitude regions, including the Everest area, from 2,000 to 5,000 meters (6,500 to 16,400 feet). With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it hunts small mammals and birds. The golden eagle symbolises strength and majesty in the Everest ecosystem.
They have a robust build, dark brown feathers, and a large wingspan, ideal for soaring and spotting prey. Their talons and beak are adapted for hunting.
How Do Mount Everest Animals Survive the Cold?
Animals living in the Everest region have developed various adaptations to survive the extreme cold and low oxygen levels. These adaptations include:
Thick Fur and Feathers: Many animals, such as the Wild Yak and Snow Leopard, have dense fur or feathers that provide insulation against the cold.
Large Lungs and Heart: Species like the Snow Leopard have large lungs and hearts that help them cope with the thin air and low oxygen levels.
Specialised Metabolism: Animals like the Himalayan Tahr have a slow metabolism that helps them conserve energy in harsh conditions.
Behavioural Adaptations: Some animals, such as the Red Panda, spend most of their time in trees to avoid cold ground and predators.
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Common Plant Species
The flora of the Everest region is just as adapted to the extreme conditions as its fauna. Common plant species include:
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a genus of flowering plants in the heath family Ericaceae. It is the national flower of Nepal. Rhododendrons are shrubs and small trees known for their vibrant, bell-shaped flowers, which range from pink to red, purple, or white. They are famous in ornamental gardening for their attractive blooms and evergreen leaves.
Juniper
Junipers are evergreens found in the Himalayan region’s woodlands. They are known for their needle-like leaves and berry-like cones and are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Junipers are valued for their scented wood and greenery, often used in perfumes, essential oils, and culinary practices. The berries of some species are also a key ingredient in gin production.
Himalayan Birch
The Himalayan Birch is a species that grows in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Himalayas, thriving in cold, high-altitude environments. It is characterised by its distinctive white bark that peels off in thin, papery layers, which was historically used as writing material in ancient India and Nepal. Due to its striking appearance, the tree is also appreciated for its ornamental value in landscaping.
Edelweiss
Edelweiss is a small perennial plant adapted to survive in harsh, rocky environments at high altitudes. Its star-shaped, white, woolly flowers are easily recognisable and give it a unique, fuzzy appearance. Edelweiss is often associated with rugged beauty and purity and has cultural significance in Alpine countries, where it is a symbol of national pride.
Snow Lotus
The Snow Lotus is a remarkable and rare plant that thrives in the harsh, cold environments of the high-altitude regions around Everest. This resilient plant is adapted to survive in rocky, windswept terrains. It is known for its unique appearance, with thick, woolly leaves that help conserve moisture and protect it from freezing temperatures. The plant's striking flowers are usually pale purple or white, and they bloom amidst the snow, creating a stunning contrast against the barren landscape.
Impact of Climate Change on Everest Wildlife
Climate change is significantly impacting the wildlife in Everest Base Camp Trek, with rising temperatures altering habitats and animal behaviour. High-altitude species are losing their natural habitats, pushing them to move to higher elevations or adapt to new conditions. As vegetation changes, the food supply for herbivores like the Himalayan Tahr and Bharal is disrupted.
As animals shift habitats, they may face more competition for resources, which can challenge their survival. Conserving biodiversity and maintaining resilient ecosystems in this changing environment rely on solid conservation efforts. These include creating protected areas, conducting studies to understand the specific impacts, and implementing strategies to reduce adverse effects.
To Sum Up
The wildlife of the Everest Base Camp Trek offers a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of life in one of the world’s most extreme environments. From the majestic Snow Leopard to the vibrant Himalayan Monal, the animals of Everest are an integral part of the region’s rich biodiversity. Understanding and protecting these species, including the diverse wildlife in Everest Base Camp Trek, is crucial as climate change and other threats continue to impact their habitats.
FAQs
What animals live in Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is home to various wildlife, including the Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, and different bird species. However, larger animals like Snow Leopards are less commonly seen in the base camp area.
Has an animal ever climbed Everest?
No, but some animals, like yaks and horses, are used to carry supplies and equipment to higher camps.
Can birds reach Everest?
Some bird species can reach high altitudes, including the Tibetan Snowcock and golden eagle, which are found in the Everest region.
Do snow leopards live on Mount Everest?
Snow Leopards inhabit the higher elevations of the Everest region, but they are rarely seen due to their elusive nature.
Does anyone survive on Everest?
While climbing Mount Everest is challenging and dangerous, many climbers reach the summit each year; though conditions are harsh, only some survive the attempt. Explore our blog to learn how hard is the Everest Base Camp trek.
Which animals live at the highest altitude?
The highest-altitude animals in the Everest region include the Snow Leopard and the Himalayan Pika, which have adapted to survive in extreme conditions.
What are the dangerous animals on Mount Everest?
Some of Mount Everest's most dangerous animals include the Snow Leopard, known for its powerful hunting skills, and the Himalayan Black Bear, which can be aggressive if threatened.
