The highest, youngest &
largest chain of mountains in the world, the Himalayan range is one of the most
fascinating and spectacular natrual wonders on earth.It is more than that : it is one of
the richest store of animal life.For instance,it is remarkable that almost one third of
the world's mammalian species that may be called true mountain animals are native to these
mountains. Jammu and kasmir with its variety of geographical regions,climates and
vegetation has many delights to offer the wildlife enthusiast. 
Perphas no animal better epitomises
the character and concerns of the mountain environment than the snow leopard, a beautiful
and elusive survivor from the frigid Pleistocene era. Though its range is
immense,extending over the entire Himalayan range, it is most advantageously sought in
jammu and kashmir especially in the high ranges. Another rare animal is the hangul or
Kashmir stag,one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world.An enigmatic
mammal is the bharal;the controversy over whether it is a shep or a goat is not yet
settled.Many unique species of antelope,goat and sheep are found in the state. In winter high-altitude bird species move to
the lower valleys and into the tourist's purview.Cinnamon sparrows,the black and yellow
grosbeak,black bulbuls and monal pheasants(the male splendidly coloured) may be seen now.
Wildlife of Kashmir
