Wildlife and Biodiversity Encounters on Annapurna Treks
The Annapurna region is rich in wildlife and biodiversity. During your Annapurna trek, you will come across various species of flora and fauna. From lush and green forests to colorful fields of flowers, exotic herbs, and a huge range of animals as well as birds. These wildlife elements complement the enthralling beauty of the mountains in Annapurna region in every possible way. You will be impressed by how amazing the scenery of the area looks as you go higher and higher through the trekking trails.
Many of the biodiverse aspects in the Annapurna region are impressive and will immerse you in its beauty, while some might even surprise you because of their rarity. There is a great chance that you are going to find unique as well as almost endangered species during your trek, as Annapurna region is one of the least urbanized and the most naturally wealthy locations in Nepal.
Make sure to read till the end of this article to know more about wildlife and biodiversity that you will encounter on Annapurna treks!
Wildlife on Annapurna treks
You will be coming through lots of wildlife animals during your Annapurna treks, including both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek. These treks will give you the exploration of the true beauty of Nepal and its rural villages, mountains, and forests. While some of the elements of the wildlife in Annapurna region will be found even in the residential regions or the villages there, you might encounter wilder and rarer species of wildlife in the more isolated and non-habituated regions of Annapurna.
Some of the most common wildlife that you will find during your Annapurna treks are given below:
Animals in Annapurna region
There are many animals that you will discover during your Annapurna trek. Some of the animals are mentioned below:
Himalayan Thar: Himalayan Thar is one of the species of goats that you won’t be seeing in any other places in Nepal except for the Himalayas. This goat species lives in the higher mountainous regions. Many trekkers are often surprised by the balance these mountain goats have even on the sloppiest lands of the mountains. Their curved horns are just as amazing as a sight of the onlookers. This animal is mostly harmless and is very commonly found on Annapurna treks.
Gecko in Annapurna Region
Musk deer: Musk deer is a very small deer with the smell of a musk, hence the name. These are very commonly found in the Annapurna region. This species of deers do not have antlers. However, they have a rare, long and sharp canine on either side of their teeth. Trekkers will be able to track their presence from the sound of their hisses on the quieter paths of their trails. And, musk deers are found during both dusk and dawn hours of the day.
Snow leopard: While most of the animals that are found in the Annapurna region are not quite dangerous, snow leopards are very dangerous. Coming forth, one can even be lethal. Therefore, it is necessary that you remain careful at all times. Whatsoever, there is just as big of a likelihood for these predators to remain off the human trails of the Annapurna treks. Snow leopards are found in the more mountainous parts of the region. One of the specialties that this animal species holds is that they are great at camouflaging their presence.
Red panda: One of the rarest yet the most aesthetically pleasing sights of an animal that you might get during Annapurna treks is the red panda. This animal is commonly found in the colder regions of the world. And, the majority of the red panda population is found in different parts of Asia than any other continents in the world. They can be described as shy and timid. Red pandas are not the easiest to spot, but if you are lucky, you might find them in a tree.
Langur monkeys: Most of the animals that we have mentioned in our list are found in the upper regions of the Annapurna. However, langur monkeys or Hanuman langur, are found in rather lower parts of the region. You may spot these monkeys jumping from one tree to another, flexing their long tails and showing wide ranges of emotions from their expressive faces. Langur monkeys are truly an amusing sight to witness for the trekkers.
Pika: Pika are small rabbit-like creatures that are extremely cute. They are great at navigating their homes. Likewise, they are very commonly found in Annapurna Circuit regions, but are just as easily frightened by human presence.
Himalayan black bear: Himalayan black bears are not the rarest species on our list. These bears are huge and extremely dangerous omnivores. With their enormous size and body full of fur, Himalayan black bears can pose a great threat to the trekkers. They are usually found in upper mountain regions.
Birds in Annapurna region
There are many bird species that are both rare and alluring to look at found in the Annapurna region. Some of them are:
Himalayan Monal: The Himalayan Monal is possibly one of the most exquisite birds you will ever have seen. The male among this bird species has the most colorful and attractive feathers. These birds are found in the dense forest area of the Annapurna region.
Himalayan Griffon: Himalayan Griffon are scary looking Himalayan vultures that are not quite found in any warmer regions in Nepal. These birds are often hunting for prey and flying in a group.
Snow Partridge: Snow Partridge is found in the higher altitude regions of the Himalayas in Annapurna. Moreover, these birds are also very good at creating a camouflage effect with their bodies. Hence, it might become difficult for the human eyes to catch their sight. These birds are almost always associated with rocky parts of the mountains and won’t be found in places with fewer rocks and stones.
Bearded vulture: Bearded vulture or the Lammergeier are another species of vulture that are found in the Annapurna region. This species of vulture can be very intimidating at first sight. These birds have different bodies and are often seen flying high in the sky during Annapurna treks.
Golden eagle: Golden eagles are attractive looking birds that are just as dangerous for their prey. They are rarely seen resting on the land as they are almost always flying high in the sky, especially during the daytime. One of the main features that makes these birds efficient hunters is their immense speed or wingspan.
Floras
There are plenty of impressive plants or flora species in the Annapurna region. These plants and flowers may or may not be found in any other parts of Nepal or the world. The most common ones are follows as:
Alpine flowers: There are various species of alpine flowers in different colors that you will find in the Annapurna region while you are trekking. These flowers are both beautiful and fragrant. You will find plenty of these flowers on your trails.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons: Rhododendron is a red flower which is also the national flower of Nepal. This flower grows in a bunch and creates an essence of a lush red and green forest. You will come through thick rhododendron forests as you walk through the trails of the Annapurna region. However, this flower species is not only limited to being red. You may spot the same species of flower in other colors, such as white, pink, and even yellow. Additionally, rhododendrons are also the most popular flower in the Annapurna region.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a common plant found in the Himalayas. These plants have more purposes than just adding beauty to nature. The bamboo plants is solid. People have been using this plant for various purposes for several centuries. And you can find them in abundance in the Annapurna region as well.
Juniper: Juniper trees are found in the upper Himalayan regions of Annapurna. During your treks, you will find how these trees have added colors to the gray and plain rocky lands. These trees grow in the most barren and unthought parts of the mountainous region.
Lichen and Moss: Another two most common plants found in Annapurna region are Lichen and Moss. These plants are not directly associated with being the symbols of beauty in nature. However, these sure play a part in keeping the ecosystem of the Himalayan region in check. These are non-flowering plants and grow in other plants and trees. Moss and Lichens also tend to add extra greenery to what is already vibrant and green. Moreover, when you see Moss and Lichens in plants, you can tell that the area is both green, moist, and safe for the entire ecosystem of the region where it has grown.
Pine and Fir: Along with shade, pine and fir trees provide the Annapurna region with an aesthetic essence. These trees are solid and stand strong through the worst of conditions. Pine and fir trees are often found in both moderate as well as cold conditions in both upper and lower regions of the Annapurna trek trails.
Conclusion
Your Annapurna trek will be filled with lots of adventure while also giving you an insight into some of the most exquisite natural gifts of the region. Many birds, animals, and plant species that you find in the Annapurna region will impress you because of their uniqueness, intimidating qualities, as well as enchanting beauty. You can be sure of the fact that you will come through a great range of both wildlife and biodiversity during different Annapurna treks.
