Birds, Bees, Beasts — 12 Photos That Capture The Bio-Diversity Of Ladakh

Ladakh has rich flora and fauna. Several species are endemic to the region. Due to its unique climate and topography, distinct species of animals are found in Ladakh.

Ladakh has a rich flora and fauna

Black-necked crane - the flagship bird of Ladakh spotted standing tall with its characteristic black neck and red crown-patch near Tsokar lake.

Red fox seen in its habitat near Pangong.

Agamid lizard spotted in Ladakh village Hanle.

Marmot lost in thought, transfixed to a rock spotted on way to Khardungla.

Blue sheep or Bharal is neither blue in colour nor a sheep. Contrary to its name it is a goat species, nimble and agile on the mountain slopes.

Tibetan wolf looking out all around in a snow covered mountainous terrain in between Taglangla and Leh.

Eurasian magpie — quirky and curious, smartly dressed in white with bluish-green wings spotted in Leh.

The alluring Chukar partridge seen near Shyok river

Chinese rubythroat, related to the Siberian rubythroat, are found along the Himalayan ranges.

The endemic wild ass species, Kiang can be seen in Hanle.

Ibisbill is grey with a white belly, red legs and long down-curved bill, and a black face and black breast band. Captured filter-feeding in the water.

A pika is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal. Seen here near Tsokar lake. All images taken and provided by Shweta Mukundan (Twitter: @cervicapra)