Everest region is a land of mountains, yet it is quite rich in the aspect of flora and fauna. There are varieties of flora and fauna in Everest region. The Wildlife of Everest is very versatile in both flora and fauna.
Everest Being the tallest horizon in the world has inspired many people to summit to the top or trek to the Everest Base Camp. Along with the beauty of the mountains, the flora and fauna in Everest region are an interesting subject to grasp about. Here is detailed information about the flora and fauna in Everest region.
Flora in Everest region
Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum)
A rhododendron is a small evergreen tree or shrub that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has dark green, leathery leaves and bright red, pink, or white flowers that bloom in dense clusters. It is one of the most attractive aspects of the wildlife of Everest. The plant is known for its stunning springtime displays, painting the hillsides with vibrant colors.
Medicinal Value of Rhododendron
In traditional medicine, rhododendron flowers and leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They are often used to treat headaches, fevers, and respiratory issues.
Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
The Himalayan Blue Poppy is a rare and striking flower known for its large, sky-blue petals and golden stamens. It grows in high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes, typically between 3,000 to 4,500 meters. The plant reaches up to one meter in height and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Medicinal Value of Himalayan Blue Poppy
Though primarily valued for its ornamental beauty, some parts of the plant are used in traditional Tibetan medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues.
Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)
Yarsagumba, also known as the caterpillar fungus, is a rare and highly prized medicinal mushroom that parasitizes caterpillars of ghost moths. Found at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters, it is harvested in the spring and early summer. It is a miracle herb in the wildlife of Everest, having a lot of medicinal value.
Medicinal Value of Yarsagumba
Yarsagumba is renowned in traditional medicine, particularly in Tibetan and Chinese practices, for its supposed aphrodisiac and immune-boosting properties. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, respiratory issues, and kidney disorders.
Juniper (Juniperus indica)
Juniperus indica is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 meters in height. It has needle-like leaves and produces small, berry-like cones. The plant is common in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Everest region, thriving in dry, rocky soils.
Medicinal Value of Juniper
Juniper has significant cultural and medicinal value, often used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine. Its berries and essential oils are used to treat digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.
Alpine Gentian (Gentiana alpina)
Alpine Gentian is a low-growing, perennial herb that features bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is typically found in high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes. The plant is well-adapted to cold, harsh environments, and blooms in the summer.
Medicinal value of Alpine Gentian
Alpine Gentian has been used in traditional medicine for its digestive benefits. It is often used to stimulate appetite and treat gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion and bloating.
Cotoneaster simonsii
Cotoneaster simonsii, commonly known as the Himalayan Snowcock Berry, is a small, evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and red berries. It grows in rocky slopes and alpine meadows, typically between 3,000 and 4,500 meters in elevation.
Medicinal value of Cotoneaster simonsii
The berries are edible and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea and respiratory issues. The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities and its ability to stabilize soil on steep slopes.
Tibetan Barberry (Berberis asiatica)
Tibetan Barberry is a thorny, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters and red or blue-black berries. The plant is commonly found in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Everest region.
Medicinal Value of Tibetan Barberry
The berries and roots of the Tibetan Barberry are used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used to treat digestive issues, skin conditions, and infections.
The Everest region, with its diverse habitats ranging from lowland forests to high-altitude tundra, is home to a wide variety of fauna.
Fauna in Everest Region
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
The Snow Leopard is a large cat known for its thick, smoky-gray fur with black rosettes and spots. It has a long tail, which helps in balancing on rocky terrain. Snow leopards are found in the alpine and subalpine zones, typically between 3,000 to 4,500 meters.
They are elusive and primarily nocturnal, making them difficult to spot. The best time for sighting snow leopards is during the late winter to early spring (February to March) when they descend to lower altitudes in search of prey.
Their mating season is from January to March.
Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
The Red Panda is a small mammal with reddish-brown fur, a long, bushy tail, and a waddling gait. It inhabits temperate forests with dense bamboo understories, typically at elevations between 2,200 to 4,800 meters.
Red pandas are one of the pristine wildlife of Everest. Adding up the beauty with its cute nature. Its very rare to see these cuites on the way.
Red pandas are most active at dawn and dusk, making these times ideal for spotting them. Their mating season is from January to March, with births occurring from June to August.
Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
The Himalayan Tahr is a large ungulate with a shaggy coat and backward-curving horns. It is found in rugged, rocky slopes and alpine meadows, usually between 2,500 to 5,000 meters.
The best time to spot Himalayan Tahr is during the early morning or late afternoon. Their mating season occurs from October to January, with a gestation period of around seven months.
Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impedance)
The Himalayan Monal, also known as the Impeyan Pheasant, is a brightly colored bird with iridescent plumage. Males have a metallic green crest, while females are more subdued with brownish feathers. They inhabit subalpine and alpine forests and meadows, typically between 2,400 to 4,500 meters.
The best time to see Himalayan Monals is during the breeding season from April to August when males display their vibrant feathers.
Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster)
The Musk Deer is a small, solitary ungulate with long, curved canine teeth and a lack of antlers. It inhabits forested and scrub-covered slopes at elevations between 2,500 to 5,000 meters.
Musk deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Their mating season is from November to December, with births occurring in late spring to early summer.
FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions)
What to do if you encounter loads carrying animals while crossing Hillary Bridge?
Generally, you will see Jokyos and Yaks carrying loads. Before crossing the suspension make sure, the bridge is animal-free. The best way to avoid potential harm in this kind of situation is to let the animal cross the bridge first and wait in the corner side peacefully.
Similarly, this applies to both walking paths and suspension bridges.
What is the difference between Jokyo and yaks?
Jokyo is a cross-breeded animal, the outcome of breeding between cow and yak.
Do we see snakes on the trails to Everest Base Camp?
Snakes are not commonly seen on the trails to Everest Base Camp. The region’s high altitude and cold temperatures are not conducive to snake habitats. Most of the trek takes place above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), where the environment is too harsh for most snake species. While lower altitudes may have some snake presence, sightings are rare and not a typical concern for trekkers.
What is the difference between deer and musk deer?
Deer and musk deer are different in several key ways. Deer, which includes species like white-tailed deer and elk, is found in diverse habitats across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. They are known for their antlers, which most male deer grow and shed annually.
Deer are herbivores, eating leaves, grass, fruits, and twigs, with sizes ranging from small pudu to large moose. In contrast, musk deer belong to the family Moschidae and are primarily found in the mountainous regions of Asia, such as the Himalayas, Siberia, and Mongolia.
Unlike other deer, musk deer do not have antlers; instead, males have long, tusk-like canine teeth. They are smaller in size, with a stocky body and long legs, and also herbivorous. A distinctive feature of musk deer is the musk gland near the male’s genital area, which produces a valuable substance used in perfumes. This has led to their heavy hunting and endangered status in some regions.
