Himalayan Goral Naemorhedus goral

The Himalayan Goral or Himalayan Grey Goral is a small to medium-sized herbivorous mammal found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, including parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. It inhabits steep, rocky hillsides, forests, and grasslands at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level.

The Himalayan Goral has a stocky build with a coarse, dense coat that is typically greyish-brown to yellowish-brown, with lighter underparts. It has short legs, a compact body, and a distinctive, short, and erect tail. Both males and females have short, backward-curving horns, although they are more prominent in males. Adult males typically weigh between 25–35 kg, while females are smaller, weighing around 15–20 kg. They are about 70–80 cm tall at the shoulder.

Himalayan Gorals are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses, shrubs, leaves, and fruits. They are excellent climbers and are highly adapted to their steep, rocky environments, where they can easily navigate through difficult terrain. They are typically solitary or found in small family groups, though larger herds can form during the breeding season. The Himalayan Goral is generally more active during the early morning and late afternoon.

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

IWLPA: Schedule I

CITES: Appendix I