Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a small landlocked country that boasts an incredible variety of wildlife. The country's topography, which ranges from high-altitude peaks to subtropical forests, provides a diverse range of habitats for different wildlife species. Despite its small size, Bhutan has gained a reputation as a biodiversity hotspot and is home to several rare and endangered species.
Bhutan's wildlife is an integral part of the country's cultural identity, as the Bhutanese people have a deep reverence for nature. The country's constitution mandates that at least 60% of its land be covered in forest, making it one of the few countries in the world with a net carbon sink. The government has also implemented strict conservation measures, such as banning logging and prohibiting hunting, to protect the country's natural resources.
One of the most iconic animals found in Bhutan is the takin, the country's national animal. This large, shaggy mammal is found at high altitudes and is a rare sight outside of Bhutan. Other large mammals found in Bhutan include the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard, and yellow-throated marten. The country is also home to several species of primates, including the golden langur and the Assamese macaque.
Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy in Bhutan, with over 770 species of birds recorded in the country. Some of the rarest and most sought-after species include the white-bellied heron, the rufous-necked hornbill, and the Himalayan monal. Bhutan's diverse range of habitats also provides a home for several reptile and amphibian species, including the king cobra and the golden tree frog.
Despite the country's small size, Bhutan's wildlife is diverse and fascinating. With strict conservation measures in place and a deep respect for nature ingrained in the culture, Bhutan is a shining example of how humans can coexist with wildlife sustainably. In this article, we will explore some of Bhutan's unique wildlife wonders.
1. Takin (Budorcas taxicolor)
The takin is a fascinating animal native to the high-altitude regions of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan. Known for its unusual appearance, the takin has a stout, muscular body covered in thick, shaggy fur. It has a large head with curved horns that sweep back to the forehead.
Unlike many other large mammals, the takin is primarily a herbivore, feeding on a variety of plants and shrubs that grow in the mountains. Its thick fur coat allows it to survive in harsh, cold environments, and it is well adapted to scaling steep cliffs and rocky terrains.
The takin holds a special place in Bhutanese culture, where it is considered the national animal and is highly revered. According to legend, the takin was created by a saint who combined the head of a goat with the body of a cow, making it a symbol of both strength and gentleness. Today, visitors to Bhutan can see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, a true testament to the country's commitment to preserving its extraordinary wildlife.
2. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Also known as the "ghost of the mountains," the snow leopard is a majestic animal found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including Bhutan. Having thick, white fur and piercing eyes, the snow leopard is well adapted to life in the harsh mountain environment.
This magnificent big cat is highly endangered, with estimates suggesting only around 4,000 individuals remain in the wild. In Bhutan, the snow leopard is a protected species, and the government has implemented several measures to conserve its habitat and prevent poaching.
Just like the leopard, the snow leopard is a solitary animal that's rarely seen by humans. It preys on a variety of animals, including blue sheep, ibex, and marmots, and is known for its incredible agility and stealth. The snow leopard is also a sacred symbol in Bhutanese culture, representing strength, power, and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges that the snow leopard faces, the Bhutanese people remain committed to preserving this glorious creature for future generations.
You won’t find many animals more adorable than this little cutie. Also known as the "firefox," the red panda is a small but strikingly beautiful animal found in Bhutan's mountain forests and other countries in the Himalayas. With its fluffy red fur and distinctive masked face, the red panda is a true icon of the region's wildlife.
Despite its name, the red panda is not closely related to the giant panda. It is an uncommon species classified in its own family, Ailuridae. Like the giant panda, however, the red panda has a specialized diet that consists mostly of bamboo, although it will also eat other plant materials and small animals.
The red panda is an expert climber, with a long, bushy tail that helps it maintain balance while moving through the trees. It is also a solitary animal that's active primarily at night.
Sadly, the red panda is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with estimates suggesting that there may be fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching and the illegal pet trade, are the primary threats to this exquisite animal.
Efforts to protect and conserve its habitat, as well as to prevent poaching and trafficking, are crucial for ensuring the survival of this beloved creature.
4. Goral (Naemorhedus)
This charming animal is found in the rocky mountainous regions of Bhutan and other parts of the Himalayas. The goral is a type of wild goat, with a dark brown coat that allows it to blend in with its surroundings. It's a true master of its environment due to its sleek, agile body and impressive climbing ability. It's a solitary animal that is most active in the early morning and late afternoon, feeding on a variety of plants and shrubs.
Gorals are known for their ability to jump and climb across rocky terrain with incredible ease. Their sharp hooves and powerful legs allow them to navigate cliffs and rocky ledges with agility and grace, making them a true marvel of the animal kingdom.
5. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
The clouded leopard is neither a big cat nor a small cat, because it is incapable of roaring or purring. In Bhutan, this regal cat is found in varied landscapes, including protected areas (national parks and biological corridors) as well as places with large human populations.
The truly extraordinary creature isn't actually closely related to the more well-known leopard species. It is a distinct species, with its closest living relatives being other members of the cat family, such as the domestic cat and the African golden cat.
Like other wild cats, the clouded leopard is a skilled hunter, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also an expert climber, and is known to climb trees and even hang upside down from branches while hunting.
The clouded leopard is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Estimates suggest that only around 10,000 individuals are remaining in the wild. Habitat loss and poaching are the primary threats to this magnificent animal.
6. Binturong (Arctictis binturong)
Now here’s a creature we bet you haven’t seen before. This amazing animal is called the binturong. Also known as the bearcat, this astonishing animal is found in the forests of Bhutan and other parts of Southeast Asia. Binturongs are distinguished by their shaggy black fur and prehensile tail, as well as by their distinct musky odor.
The binturong, despite its name, is not closely related to either bears or cats. It is a solitary animal that is mostly active during the night, feeding on a variety of fruits, insects, and small animals.
A fascinating aspect of the binturong is its ability to utilize its prehensile tail to grasp branches and climb through the trees with outstanding agility and grace. Additionally, binturongs use their musky odors to communicate with other binturongs and mark their territories.
Unfortunately, the binturong too is under threat from habitat loss and hunting.
The Tibetan wolf, also known as the Himalayan wolf, inhabits the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. This social animal lives in packs of up to 10 individuals, hunting prey such as Himalayan blue sheep and marmots. It is a skilled hunter, using its sharp senses and impressive speed to catch its prey.
The Tibetan wolf's ability to adapt to living in harsh mountainous environments is one of its most exceptional characteristics. It can survive in extremely low temperatures and has evolved specialized adaptations, such as a thick coat and short ears, to help it cope with high altitudes and extreme weather conditions. These wolves thrive in the highlands, predominantly above 4,000 m (13,123 ft) elevation, because they have adapted to a low-oxygen environment. They are not nocturnal but rest during the heat of the day.
8. Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata)
The Tibetan gazelle is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, and can be found in Bhutan's alpine and steppe regions. Also known as the goa, this graceful animal has a sandy-brown to greyish-brown coat, a slender body, long legs, and distinctive curved horns.
The Tibetan gazelle lives in herds of up to 30 individuals, grazing on a variety of plants and shrubs. It is a nimble and fast runner, able to reach speeds of up to 60 km/hour (37.2 mph).
This gazelle has evolved specialized adaptations, such as a thick coat and large lungs, to help it cope with high altitudes and low oxygen levels.
9. Gee's Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei)
While Bhutan has many monkey species, Gee's golden langur is perhaps the most special. After all, it is the most colorful and spectacular of all leaf-eating monkeys found in the region. One of the most stunning animals in the Himalayan kingdom, this extremely rare and endangered primate was named after the naturalist Edward Pritchard Gee who first described the animal during the 1950s. Gee's golden langur is distinguished by striking golden fur and a distinctive black face. The rare and beautiful primate is considered a sacred animal by many Bhutanese, and it is often featured in traditional art and folklore.
Another interesting fact about Gee's golden langur is its social structure. These primates live in small groups of 2–10 individuals, with a dominant male as the leader. They are known for their complex social behavior, including grooming, play, and vocal communication.
10. Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula)
Although it may look cute, the yellow-throated marten is a ferocious carnivore that has no natural predator. In fact, even tigers and leopards refrain from approaching it. The yellow-throated marten stands out among the wildlife of the region due to its sleek body, golden-yellow throat, and long bushy tail.
Yellow-throated martens are agile and versatile climbers adapted to life in the trees. They are skilled hunters that prey on small animals such as rodents, birds, and reptiles, as well as insects and fruits. These small animals have a strong, musky odor that they use to communicate with other martens and to mark their territory.
Despite its small size, the hispid hare is a remarkable survivor, able to thrive in the most challenging of environments. This animal, also called the bristly rabbit, is endangered. Hispid hares typically inhabit regions with tall-grass grasslands. They thrive in mostly level, well-drained, and sparsely wooded environments.
The hispid hare has a harsh and bristly coat and is known for its incredible speed and agility. It can run at speeds of up to 80 km/hour (49.7 mph), making it one of the fastest land animals in the region. The diminutive animal can also leap over obstacles and navigate through dense undergrowth with tremendous ease and grace.
While the hispid hare may be elusive, it represents Bhutan's rich and diverse wildlife and is a beloved and cherished symbol. Sadly, the hispid hare's habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate, and the animal is also hunted for its meat and fur.
The Remarkable Birds of Bhutan
Now, let’s turn our attention to some of the spectacular, unusual, and rare birds found in Bhutan. Bhutan’s national bird is the common raven, but as most are familiar with ravens, we will focus on some other wonderful birds to see in the country.
12. Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)
Bhutan is home to some of the world's most exquisite pheasants, most notably the Himalayan monal. With its iridescent feathers of blue, green, purple, and gold, the Himalayan monal stands out among Bhutan's hill forests.
Much like the peacock, the male Himalayan monal too exhibits a curious mating display, which involves spreading its wings and tail feathers to reveal its colorful plumage. This display is a sight to behold and is a true symbol of the beauty and majesty of Bhutan's wildlife.
While they can fly, like many pheasants, the monals prefer to walk from one location to another through high-altitude forests, scrublands, and alpine meadows at altitudes between 2100 and 4500 m (6,889 - 14,763 m).
The satyr tragopan, also known as the Crimson Horned Pheasant, is a stunning pheasant-like bird found in the dense forests of Bhutan. The male tragopan has an impressive appearance, with two horn-like projections on its head that make it look like something out of a mythical legend. During the breeding season, these projections become even more pronounced, adding to the bird's unique charm. Males hide behind rocks, waiting for females to walk by. They then display their electric blue horns and flat, colorful wattles to impress the females. Female pheasants have subdued plumage that is generally chocolate brown in hue.
The bird is notoriously elusive, making it a challenging sight for bird watchers, but with dedicated conservation efforts, it's possible to ensure that this magnificent creature continues to thrive in the wilds of Bhutan.
14. White-Bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
The white-bellied heron inhabits the rushing streams of the mountainous regions of Bhutan, northeastern India, and Myanmar. Large and imperious, it is the rarest heron in the world and the second-largest living heron species, standing 1.3 meters (4.2 ft) tall.
This heron is a solitary bird that feeds on fish and other small aquatic animals. It is also known for its distinctive call, a loud and throaty croak that can be heard from a distance.
The white-bellied heron is critically endangered, with a population estimated to be less than 250 individuals. It is not only an attractive bird but also a vital part of the ecosystem. As a top predator in its aquatic habitat, it helps maintain the ecosystem's balance by controlling the population of fish and other aquatic animals.
15. Rufous-Necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)
Bhutan's hill woodlands and other suitable habitats in mainland Southeast Asia host this large hornbill, over one meter (3.2 ft) long. The Rufous-Necked Hornbill is a charismatic bird with a distinctive horn-shaped bill, black plumage, and a rufous-colored neck.
One of the most notable things about the Rufous-Necked Hornbill is its peculiar breeding behavior. The female bird seals herself into a tree cavity using her own feces, leaving only a small hole through which the male bird can pass her food. She then incubates her eggs and raises her young inside the sealed tree cavity, protected from predators.
Bhutan provides excellent habitat for the Rufous-necked Hornbill and has laws in place to protect it. Currently, the gorgeous bird is listed as vulnerable, with an estimated 10,000 adults remaining in the wild. So, if you catch a glimpse of this stunning bird during your visit to Bhutan, count yourself lucky and take a moment to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.
