The natural habitat of the Himalayan tahr, or jharal, is found in Asia, specifically near the Himalayan mountains and across Kashmir to Sikkim in India.
It has also been introduced to New Zealand.
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What does it look like ?
Himalayan tahrs have a typical goat-like appearance, with short, stubby legs.
They measure 90 to 150 cm including the tail and weigh between 36 to 90 kg.
Both males and females have massive, hip-curving horns;
they measure up to 45 cm.
As with many animals living in cold regions, the ears are small to reduce the risk of chapping.
The majestic mane, on the other hand, is a characteristic unique to males.
It appears in winter when the coat is denser.
How does he live?
Himalayan tahrs usually live in herds of around 15 individuals, but older males are sometimes alone, often chased away by their younger rivals.
The males fight with their horns to compare their strength and thus establish their dominance.
Very fearful, tahrs disappear in the blink of an eye in case of danger and are able to jump on steep terrain without the slightest difficulty.
In the middle of the day, Himalayan tahrs rest on the rock and prefer to search for food in the morning and evening.
Herbivores, they graze on grass, leaves and flowers.
Sexual maturity takes place between 2 and 3 years and the breeding period lasts from October to January.
After mating, the female is pregnant for about 217 days and then gives birth to one, sometimes two cubs.
An endangered species
The Himalayan tahr is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
It is indeed hunted for its meat and suffers from the expansion of human populations.
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