Page 76 - World of Animals - Issue #39

Explore the Earth

Clamber peaks with

Himalayan tahrs

While the Sherpas of Nepal are famed for their
climbing ability, with their guidance invaluable for many
mountaineers aspiring to climb the country’s formidable
peaks, even they can’t match the natural dexterity of the
Himalayan tahr. These relatives of the North American
mountain goat are superbly adapted to the harsh
conditions of their habitat – the mountains in the north
of the country.
Primarily found at altitudes of between 2,500 and
5,000 metres (8,200 and 16,400 feet), you’re unlikely
to come across tahrs unless you’re venturing into the
unforgiving slopes of the Himalayas but, when spotted,
their movement is incredible to behold. Their agility
and sure-footedness on sheer cliffs owes much to the
make-up of their hooves, which feature a keratin-coated
outer layer and a rubbery core that combine to offer
exceptional durability and grip. Add in an ability to
digest even the toughest plant life found in the region
and it’s easy to see why these goats are among Nepal’s
hardiest local residents.

Glide past endangered gharials

With its long, slender jaws and bulbous Canoe journeys in Chitwan National
snout, the gharial is an unmistakable Park offer the chance to see these
presence on the muddy riverbanks impressive reptiles in their riverbank
that run through Nepal’s Terai region. habitats. Gharials have suffered
Occasionally reaching lengths of up to six particularly badly from human
metres (20 feet), they’re nonetheless one encroachment and are currently listed
of the least dangerous crocodiles. Visitors as critically endangered by the IUCN,
need not worry – the gharial’s diet is but Chitwan is leading the way in their

made up almost exclusively of fish, and it’s conservation. We recommend visiting
extremely sluggish on land thanks to its the park’s crocodile breeding centre,
weak limbs, which are unable to raise its where you can observe recently hatched
body off the ground at all. juveniles up close prior to their release.

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