What kind of animal is the Himalayan Thar? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal originally lives in Asia, but has been introduced to North America and is rapidly being bred. This is an endangered species, and it is also a measure to prevent the species from becoming extinct.
What is Himalayan Tahl? Basic Stats
The Himalayan tahr is an even-toed ungulate that belongs to the genus Tahr in the family Bovidae. Its scientific name is Hemitragus jemlahicus, and its English name is Himalayan tahr. Its body length is 90-140cm, its weight is 35-90kg, and its tail length is 12-20cm. The full list of information is as follows:
| Japanese（和名） | ヒマラヤタール |
| English（英名） | Himalayan tahr |
| scientific name(学名) | Hemitragus jemlahicus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyla、Bovidae、Sus 哺乳綱、ウシ目、ウシ科、タール属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | NEAR THREATENED |
| Length（体長） | 90～140cm |
| Weight（体重） | 35～90kg |
taxonomic position
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界（Animalia） |
| 門 | 脊索動物門（Chordata） |
| 綱 | 哺乳綱（Mammalia） |
| 目 | 偶蹄目（Artiodactyla） |
| 科 | ウシ科（Bovidae） |
| 属 | タール属 (Hemitragus) |
| 種 | ヒマラヤタール (Hemitragus jemlahicus) |
Habitat
Himalayan tahr are found in mountainous regions of India, China, Nepal, etc.
- Main Distribution Areas
The Himalayan thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus) lives exclusively in the high mountain regions of the Himalayas.
Nepal: Central to Eastern Himalayas
India: Northern mountainous regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim
Bhutan: Mountainous areas at altitudes of 2,500–4,000 m
Northern Pakistan: Parts of the Karakoram Range
Tibet (Autonomous Region of China): Alpine grasslands
It has also been introduced to the South Island of New Zealand, but this was an introduced introduction by humans.
- Habitat Altitude
Usually found in alpine areas between 2,500 and 5,000 m.
In winter, they may descend to altitudes of 2,500–3,000 m to avoid snow.
In summer, they live a grazing lifestyle on rocky areas and grasslands in the alpine zone.
- Habitat Characteristics
Terrain: Steep rocky mountains, cliffs, and cliffs.
Vegetation: Alpine meadows, shrubs, and herbs.
Climate: Cold and dry, varies greatly with the seasons.
Pack Structure: Males live alone or in small groups; females and calves live in groups of 20–30.
- Introduced Habitat
South Island, New Zealand
Introduced for hunting in the early 1900s.
Now feral, they live in grasslands and mountainous areas.
Due to their potential impact on local vegetation, they are managed.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Himalayan tahrs have dark brown or blackish brown fur on the front of their faces and limbs, with a white marking on the tip of their snout. Both males and females have horns, with males’ horns being twice as long as females’. These horns curve backwards and have a triangular cross section measuring 45 cm. The center of the hoof has a rubber-like convex core, which makes them durable and suitable for their habitat. Himalayan tahrs live in forests in rocky mountainous areas.
- Physical Characteristics
Characteristics Details
Body Type: Sturdy, muscular body suited to mountain climbing
Body Length: Approximately 100-135 cm
Weight: Male: 60-90 kg, Female: 35-55 kg
Head: Large, round head, slightly protruding eyes
Horns: Males have long, thick, curved horns (up to 80 cm long), while females have small, straight horns
Hair: Long, coarse fur, color changes with the seasons (dark brown to reddish-brown in winter, light brown in summer)
Tail: Short, 15-20 cm
Appearing like a large, goat-like animal, it’s perfect for rocky mountains. Males have a dignified appearance thanks to their horns and fur, while females have a small, gentle appearance.
- Ecological and Behavioral Characteristics
Primary Behavior
Females and calves live in herds of 20-30 individuals.
Males live alone or in small male groups.
Athletic Ability
Easily climbs rocky areas and steep slopes; feet and hooves adapted to high altitudes.
Diet
Herbivore: grasses, shrubs, leaves, young shoots, etc.
May change diet depending on the season.
Breeding
Resting season: Autumn to Winter
Gestation period: Approximately 180 days (6 months)
Most calves are born alone; they do not raise their young in groups, but rather in a safe place.
Natural Enemies
Large predators such as snow leopards and leopards.
Personality and Habits
Highly cautious, they will quickly run up cliffs if approached.
They tend to stay quiet and are often seen resting on rocky areas.
What is their personality like?
Himalayan tahrs live in groups of about 2 to 20 individuals, and are very cooperative and social animals. Outside of the breeding season, males often act alone. They are active during the day, especially in the early morning and dusk, and often rest during the day.
- Highly Cautious
Because they live on rocky outcrops and cliffs, they are always alert to their surroundings.
When approached by humans or predators, they quickly run up the cliffs to escape.
They have a high ability to sense danger, and some individuals act as “lookouts” within the herd.
- Sociality and Herd Behavior
Females and their young form herds.
Herds consist of around 20-30 individuals.
They travel and rest together in safe areas.
Males live alone or in small groups.
During the breeding season, they approach female herds and compete for dominance by fighting with their horns.
- Personality Changes During the Breeding Season
During the breeding season from autumn to winter, males become more aggressive and territorial.
Males outside of the breeding season are relatively calm and reserved.
What is their ecology like?
Himalayan tahrs mainly live by eating tree branches and other things. They reproduce viviparously. They have a gestation period of six months and can give birth to one baby at a time. They reach sexual maturity in about 2 years and have a lifespan of about 15 years.
- Living Environment
Altitude: 2,500-5,000 m (8,000-19,000 ft)
Terrain: Adapted to steep, rugged mountainous terrain with numerous rocky areas and cliffs
Vegetation: Alpine grasslands, shrubs, and lichens
Climate: Cold and dry, with large seasonal temperature changes
Himalayan tahrs are like “alpine rocky terrain specialists.”
- Diet (What they eat)
Primarily herbivorous
Diet:
Grass, shrub leaves, moss, young shoots, and sometimes tree bark
Their diet changes with the seasons
They skillfully navigate rocky areas and cliffs in search of food
- Behavior and Sociality
Population Structure
Females and calves: Move in groups of 20-30
Males: Live alone or in small groups
Migration Pattern
Move during the day in search of food
Rest in safe areas on rocky slopes or cliffs
Vigilance
Sensitive to predators and humans
If they sense danger, they will quickly climb cliffs to escape
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season: Autumn to Winter
Male Behavior
During the breeding season, they fight over females with their horns
Gestation Period: Approximately 6 months
Birth: Usually one calf
Rearing: The mother raises the calf in a safe place
The entire herd rarely protects the calves
Do they have any natural enemies?
The Himalayan tahr has excellent leg strength and jumping ability, and can climb even rough and steep slopes with amazing agility to escape from predators. Their natural enemy is the snow leopard.
About Himalayan Tahr (Cubs)
This section summarizes the characteristics, growth, and ecology of Himalayan Tahr (Cubs).
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 6 months (approximately 180 days)
Birthing Season: Spring to early summer (often after the snow melts in the high mountains)
Number of cubs: Usually 1, at most 2
Birth Weight: Approximately 3-5 kg
Appearance at Birth:
Short, brown to reddish-brown fur
Horns are still small and barely noticeable
- Cubs Growth
Age and Growth Characteristics: 0-1 Months: Lives closely with mother. Drinks breast milk and stays close to the herd. 1-3 Months: Begins to adapt to a small range within the herd. Gradually eats grass and leaves. 3-6 Months: Weaned from breast milk and primarily eats herbs. Gradually learns to navigate rocky terrain. Around 1 Year of Age: Small, spiral-shaped horns begin to appear (males). 2-3 Years: Fully adapted to herd behavior. Reproductive maturity occurs at 3-4 years for males and 2-3 years for females.
- Behavior and Ecology of Young Animals
They live in safe rocky areas under the protection of their mother or herd.
Due to their small size, they must be wary of predators (such as snow leopards and leopards).
They are highly cautious and will quickly flee when their mother signals.
They learn how to navigate rocky areas and social behavior through play and skirmishes.
Females tend to stay with the herd, while males leave the herd and become independent as they mature.
- Physical Characteristics
Coat Color: Brown, slightly lighter than their mother’s.
Horns: Almost absent or have small protuberances.
Body Shape: Rounded, with underdeveloped muscles.
Legs: Sturdy for their size, they quickly adapt to moving around on rocky areas.
Is the Himalayan Thar an endangered species?
The population of the Himalayan Thar has decreased due to habitat destruction and hunting for food. It is designated as a near-threatened species. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, and the United States for breeding.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Assessment
Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Not Endangered (EN), but assessed to be at risk in the future
Major Reasons: Habitat Shrinkage and Hunting Pressure
- Major Threats
Hunting and Poaching
Hunting for horns and fur occurs in some areas
Habitat Shrinkage
Human activities (expansion of grazing land, tourism, and development) also affect the high Himalayan ranges
Competition with Invasive Species and Livestock
Food competition with cattle and yaks can lead to grassland loss
- Conservation Status
Protected within national parks in Nepal and Bhutan
Protected areas have also been established in northern India, and hunting is restricted
Managed as an invasive species in New Zealand
Population control is being implemented due to the impact on the ecosystem
Can you keep Himalayan Thars as pets?
Unfortunately, the Himalayan Thar is designated as an endangered species and is strictly protected. We recommend viewing them at zoos, etc.
- Difficulty of Raising
Key Points/Details
Size: Males weigh 60-90 kg, females 35-55 kg. Large size requires ample exercise space.
Athletic Ability: Able to move freely over rocky areas and steep slopes, they are prone to escape if not adequately contained.
Personality: Extremely wary and sensitive to stress. Unable to become tame.
Diet: Requires alpine plants such as grasses and shrubs; ordinary grass and vegetables alone will result in an unbalanced diet.
Law: In many countries, wildlife protection laws strictly restrict capture and captivity. - Examples of Captivity
Can be kept in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
Himalayan Tahrs require facilities with extensive rocky areas and slopes to accommodate their habits.
Controlled captivity for breeding and conservation purposes is required.
Cannot be kept in ordinary homes or as pets.
- Environment
Large exercise space: Rocky areas and slopes of several hundred square meters or more.
Appropriate temperature and humidity control: A climate similar to that of a cold alpine environment.
Food: Alpine grassland plants and nutritional supplements.
Safety Management: Prevent escapes and deal with predators.
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