The Bharal, or Blue Sheep, is a nimble and sturdy mountain ungulate found throughout the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including Pakistan. Known for their distinctive bluish-gray coat that helps them blend into rocky terrain, Bharals are an important prey species for predators like the Snow Leopard.

Habitat & Lifestyle

Bharals inhabit steep, rocky slopes and grassy plateaus at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 meters. They are diurnal, most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and spend a significant portion of their day grazing on grasses, shrubs, and lichens. Bharals are social animals, typically living in small groups, though males and females often form separate herds outside the breeding season.

Area Found

In Pakistan, Bharals are found in the northern mountainous regions, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khunjerab National Park, and surrounding areas. These high-altitude areas provide the rocky, open terrain that Bharals are well-suited for.