4 days ago
In a first, blue sheep at the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri gives birth to offspring
The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri, about 18 km from Shimla, has achieved a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the successful breeding of the blue sheep, locally known as bharal (Pseudois nayaur), for the first time on Saturday. The Park authorities are yet to ascertain the gender of the newly born lamb.
In a collaborative effort with the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, the park received three bharals under a wildlife exchange programme in 2023. These animals were quarantined and acclimatised to their new environment before being introduced into their designated enclosures.
'The successful breeding of the bharal is a testament to the park's effective conservation strategies. Bharals are vital to the Himalayan ecosystem, serving as a primary prey species for the endangered snow leopard. Maintaining a healthy population of bharals is crucial for the survival of these apex predators. The park's breeding programme aligns with broader conservation efforts in the region,' Shahnawaz Ahmed Bhat, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said.
He added that these initiatives aim to ensure the long-term viability of the species and their role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Himalayas.
The gestation period of a female blue sheep is approximately 150 to 160 days, and a female typically gives birth to a single lamb, usually between May and early July.
Building on the success of the bharal breeding programme, the park plans to expand its conservation efforts by introducing additional species and enhancing its educational outreach.
Although the blue sheep is categorized as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population faces threats such as poaching for meat and competition with livestock. However, poaching is relatively uncommon due to the inhospitable nature of the bharal's habitat. Similarly, livestock seldom venture into the mountainous regions where bharals are found, and even when they do coexist, no significant detrimental impact on the bharal population has been observed.
A senior officer said, 'The introduction of bharals to the Himalayan Nature Park enhances its appeal as an ecotourism destination. Visitors now have the opportunity to observe these elusive animals in an environment that closely mirrors their natural habitat.'
Situated at an altitude of over 2,600 metres, the Himalayan Nature Park spans 13.73 hectares of temperate vegetation, providing a natural habitat for various high-altitude species. The park's ecosystem — characterised by deodar, fir, spruce, and oak forests — offers an ideal environment for the bharal, which thrives in the region's rugged terrain.
The park's serene environment, coupled with its diverse wildlife, offers an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and contributes to the region's sustainable tourism initiatives.
Through continued collaboration with national and international wildlife bodies, the Himalayan Nature Park aims to play a pivotal role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the Western Himalayas.
