by Clare Harrison The World’s Water Tower The Tibetan Plateau, with its vast grasslands, high altitude lakes, glaciers and snowy peaks, plays a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of global climatic systems. Known…
The snow leopard (Panthera Uncia) is an iconic species for many living in the Himalayan region. In much the same way as its close relative the tiger (Panthera Tigris) is for many in India. What…
Wildlife is flourishing in this remote area of the Tibetan plateau, but loss of local Buddhist and nomadic culture spells trouble for the future.
ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTER Amblonyx (or Aonyx) cinerea Physical Description The Asian Small-clawed, Short-clawed, or Clawless, Otter’s name derives from its small claws, which do not protrude beyond the ends of its digital pads. This otter is…
Cuon alpinus Physical Description The Dhole is also known as the Asiatic or Indian Wild Dog, the Red Dog, and the Whistling Hunter. The Dhole differs from other members of the Canidae, or dog, family in…
Uncia (or Panthera) uncia Physical Description The Snow Leopard, or Ounce, may be distinguished from ordinary leopards by the colour of its fur and its wide, long tail. The Leopard’s long fur is light grey, tinged…
Lynx (or Felis) lynx Physical Description The Eurasian, or Siberian, Lynx is the largest of the lynxes. The Eurasian Lynx has a stout body and long legs. The Lynx’s soft, thick fur is coloured yellow to…
Neofelis (or Pardofelis) nebulosa Physical Description The Clouded Leopard has pale yellow to brown fur, with large irregular shaped markings on its body. Each marking is dark brown or black around the edge and lighter in…
Felis bieti Physical Description Little is known about the Chinese Mountain Cat, a species that, in spite of its name, is endemic to northeastern Tibet. The Mountain Cat was until recently called the Desert Cat. The…
Panthera tigris tigris Physical Description Tigers were once widespread throughout the Asian continent. Over the last 70 years, however, three tiger subspecies, the Caspian Tiger, the Javan Tiger, and the Bali Tiger, have been driven to…