Wildlifeof Nepal
Blue Sheep
Wild Cattle & Serow
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Pseudois nayaur
Basic stats
Diet
Mainly grasses; shrubs and forbs when grass is scarce
Habitat
Himalayan alpine meadows and rocky slopes at 2,200–5,500m
Range
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan
Size
Head and body 115–165cm; shoulder 69–91cm; horns up to 80cm in males
Weight
35–75kg
The bharal, or blue sheep, is a medium-sized caprine genetically closer to goats than to sheep. Its dense fur is slate grey, sometimes with a bluish sheen, with white underparts and back of the legs and black on the chest and front of the legs. A charcoal stripe separates the grey back from the white belly. Males have larger curved horns, up to 80cm (Wikipedia, general species account).
Population densities in Nepal were found to be 0.9 to 2.7 animals per square kilometre, rising to a maximum of ten in winter as herds gather in valleys. It is active all day, alternating feeding and resting on grassy slopes, and mainly grazes. Where it shares range with livestock the overlap in diet causes competition and a decline in bharal density. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Blue Sheep eat?
- Mainly grasses; shrubs and forbs when grass is scarce
- What habitat does the Blue Sheep live in?
- Himalayan alpine meadows and rocky slopes at 2,200–5,500m
- Where is the Blue Sheep found?
- Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan
- How big is the Blue Sheep?
- Head and body 115–165cm; shoulder 69–91cm; horns up to 80cm in males
- How much does the Blue Sheep weigh?
- 35–75kg