Snow leopards, Andes condors, bighorn sheep, chamois, ibex, mountain goats, mountain gorillas, chinchillas, alpine marmots and lynx are among the animals that live in mountains.
Living in a cold, windy mountain environment necessitates the development of distinctive characteristics in mountain animals. Thick, multi-layered coats, climbing or walking on snow feet, and seasonal migration or hibernation are among them.
A list of mountain animals with pictures and information may be found on this page. With a free printable worksheet, you can test your knowledge of mountain animals. Explore the mountain habitats of some of the world’s most exotic animals.
Animals That Live On Mountains: Page Index
- Mountain Animals: Introduction
- List Of Animals That Live On Mountains
- Alpine Marmot
- Alpine Water Skink
- Andean Condor
- Baw Baw Frog
- Bighorn Sheep
- Bogong Moth
- Chamois
- Chinchilla
- Eurasian Lynx
- Golden Eagle
- Guanaco
- Himalayan Tahr
- Ibex
- L’Hoest’s Monkey
- Mountain Galaxia
- Mountain Goat
- Mountain Gorilla
- Mountain Hare
- Snow Leopard
- Takin
- Verreaux’s Eagle
- Vicuña
- White-Tailed Ptarmigan
- Wolf
- Wolverine
- Mountain Animals List: Conclusion
Mountain Animals: Introduction
The environment on a mountain is frequently chilly and windy, with less oxygen available due to decreased air pressure. Just a few species are able to survive there.
In order to intake the same amount of oxygen as you would do if you were at sea level, you’d have to inhale a third more air at 10,000 feet / 3,000 meters.
Animals that live on mountains have evolved unique characteristics to adapt to this harsh environment as a consequence of their habitat.
This might imply that there is more body fat or coats with insulating inner layers. During the winter, certain mountaineering animals hibernate, while others move to lower altitudes.
Mountain Zones
The montane zone, subalpine zone, and alpine zone are the three primary zones of a mountain. Each has its own species of animal and plants.
The slopes of the montane zone are covered in conifers like pines and spruces. They can grow even in regions with a lot of snowfall thanks to their needle-like leaves, sloping limbs, and thick foliage.
The subalpine zone lies above the montane zone. Few trees grow here, and those that do are usually small.
The alpine zone is found above the tree line. Only the toughest plant and animal species can flourish in this harsh, frequently snow-covered environment.
List Of Animals That Live On Mountains
Alpine Marmot
- Scientific name: Marmota marmota
- Type of animal: Mammal, Rodent
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Sciuridae family of rodents includes the Alpine marmot. It has been introduced to the Pyrenees, as well as the Alps and Tatras (a mountain range between Poland and Slovakia).
The Alpine marmot, which grows to around 47 to 60 cm in length, is one of the biggest marmot species. It lives in extensive family groups in deep burrows that may stretch to a depth of 10 feet / 3 meters.
By drying grass on rocks in the sun and storing it in its burrow, the Alpine marmot makes its own hay. During the winter, the species hibernates.
Alpine Water Skink
- Scientific name: Eulamprus kosciuskoi
- Type of animal: Reptile, Lizard
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Alpine water skink is a little Australian lizard that is also known as the Alpine meadow skink. The Snowy Mountains, which are part of the Australian Alps, are home to this species. They are located in southeast Australia.
The species has a wide head and a black stripe running down its back, growing to around 3.15 in. / 8cm in length.
Bogs, marshes, and close to streams in woods and heathlands are all habitats for the Alpine water skink. Invertebrates, such as flies and spiders, are its prey.
Andean Condor
- Scientific name: Vultur gryphus
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: South America
- Conservation status: Near Threatened
One of the world’s largest birds is the Andes condor. It has a wingspan of about 283 cm (9 ft 3 in). The huge wandering albatross is the only other bird with a bigger wingspan than these four.
The Andes condor is one of the largest flying birds, with a typical weight of 25 pounds/11.3 kilograms.
The Andes mountain range in South America is home to the Andean condor. The Cathartidae family of vultures is a new world vulture family.
Despite their outward resemblance and similar lifestyles, members of this family are not closely related to ancient-world vultures.
The Andean condor, like other vultures, is a carrion-eating scavenger.
Only flaps its wings 1% of the time it is flying, and this giant mountain bird can soar for 100 miles without flapping its wings.
The Andean condor is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ because its adult population is believed to be only 6,700.
Baw Baw Frog
- Scientific name: Philoria frosti
- Type of animal: Amphibian
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Only on the Baw Baw plateau can you find the critically endangered Australian amphibian, the Baw Baw frog. The Great Dividing Range, which runs the length of Australia’s east coast, includes this section of elevated land.
The maximum length of the Baw Baw frog is around 2.2 in. / 55 mm, and it is a small brown and yellow frog. It feeds on worms and other invertebrates in leaf litter in shrublands and wetlands.
The exact cause of the species’ demise is unclear. An infectious disease brought on by the chytrid fungus is the most likely reason for the frog’s illness. The extinction of two more Australian amphibians, the southern and northern gastric brooding frogs, is also blamed on this fungus.
Bighorn Sheep
- Scientific name: Ovis canadensis
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The name bighorn sheep comes from the huge, curled horns of males, which may weigh up to 30 pounds / 13.6 kilograms on a big male.
The Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Canada, the United States, and Mexico are among the locations where this species may be found.
The herd’s males battle for supremacy throughout the mating season, charging at one other at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and using their massive, curving horns as battering rams. To prevent serious damage, the sheep skulls are reinforced.
Wolves, coyotes, Canada lynxes, and bobcats are among the predators that a bighorn sheep uses its speed and superior climbing abilities to flee.
Bogong Moth
- Scientific name: Agrotis infusa
- Type of animal: Insect
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Unassessed
The annual mass-migration of the Bogong moth to and from Australia’s highlands is a well-known Australian insect.
The species congregates in huge numbers in caves, crevices, and other refuge sites during the hot Australian summer. It then enters a condition called aestivation, which is comparable to hibernation.
The moth migrates to lower ground during the fall and winter, where it eats and reproduces.
Aboriginal people discovered where the moths congregated throughout the summer, and the insect was a major source of nutrition.
Migrating moths are occasionally blown off course and land in cities such as Canberra, Melbourne, or Sydney, where they “invade.”
Chamois
- Scientific name: Rupicapra rupicapra
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The chamois lives in alpine meadows in central and southern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. It belongs to the Caprinae subfamily of animals known as goat-antelopes (also including goats and sheep).
Female and young chamois live in flocks of between 5 and 30 individuals. The males are solitary.
The skin of this small hooved animal was formerly utilized to make chamois leather, which was a prized commodity.
Chinchilla
- Scientific name: Chinchilla chinchilla (short-tailed chinchilla); Chinchilla lanigera (long-tailed chinchilla)
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: South America
- Conservation status: Endangered
Chinchillas are rodents that dwell in high-altitude, rocky deserts in the Andes. Living in the mountains, their fur is the densest of any land mammal.
The short-tailed chinchilla and the long-tailed chinchilla are the two species of chinchillas. With a body length of 49cm / 19 in, the short-tailed species is the biggest. In comparison to the long-tailed species, it features a shorter tail and smaller ears.
The soft coat of the short-tailed chinchilla was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. The chinchilla species with long tails has also been hunted for the pet trade. Despite the fact that chinchillas are now farmed for both fur and companion purposes, they are still endangered in the wild.
Eurasian Lynx
- Scientific name: Lynx lynx
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Europe, Asia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Eurasian lynx, a mid-sized wild cat that may be found across Europe and Asia, thrives in a variety of ecosystems. The Carpathians, Alps, and Himalayas are among the mountain ranges where it may be found.
The biggest of the four lynx species is the Eurasian lynx. For walking on snow without sinking, it has large, hairy paws. Ungulates (hooved animals) such as red deer and chamois are its preferred prey, and it is a nocturnal hunter.
Golden Eagle
- Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The golden eagle, which may be found all around the northern hemisphere, is a bird of prey. It can be found in hilly regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, making it the most widely distributed eagle.
Golden eagles have a wingspan of between 190 and 225 cm / 75 and 89 in. Rabbits, hares, rodents, and gamebirds are among the animals this magnificent mountain bird preys on.
The golden eagle is one of the fastest animals in the world when hunting for prey, reaching speeds of 200 mph / 320 km/h. The golden eagle’s speeds are comparable to, if not superior than, those of the peregrine falcon.
Guanaco
- Scientific name: Lama guanicoe
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: South America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
Camelidae family of animals includes the guanaco. The llama, a domesticated camelid, and the vicuña, a wild camelid native to South America’s Andes range, are both closely related to it.
In comparison to the vicuña, the guanaco is bigger. The guanaco is one of South America’s biggest wild land creatures, weighing up to 310 lb. / 140 kg and measuring up to 51 in. / 130 cm in shoulder height.
The guanaco has a conservation status of “Least Concern” because of its increasing population, which now stands at about 1 million adult people.
The puma and the Andean fox are the primary predators of the guanaco.
Himalayan Tahr
- Scientific name: Hemitragus jemlahicus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation status: Near Threatened
In the Himalayas of China, India, and Nepal, the Himalayan tahr is a huge goat-like hooved animal. At heights of up to 5,200 meters above sea level, it may be found on stony slopes and cliffs. It migrates to lower altitudes during the winter.
The horns are backwards-facing and the head is tiny. Its thick, red-brown fur provides insulation against the cold, and its legs are relatively short.
Hooves with spongy, rubber-like pads that grip on to smooth rocks are another adaptation for living in the mountains. The hooves are protected from wear on rocky terrain by a sturdier outer rim.
Ibex
- Scientific name: All ibex species belong to the genus Capra
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Europe, Asia, Africa
Long, backwards-curving, ridged horns distinguish an ibex, a mountain goat. The Alpine ibex, which may be found in the European Alps, the Nubian ibex of the Middle East, and the Bezoar ibex of Turkey and Iran are among the different types of ibex.
The domestic goat is thought to be descended from the Bezoar ibex.
Ibex graze in alpine meadows above the treeline, in the alpine zone. They descend to lower ground during the winter. During the day, they’re most active.
L’Hoest’s Monkey
- Scientific name: Allochrocebus lhoesti
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
L’Hoest’s monkey is a primate belonging to the ancient-world monkey family Cercopithecidae. It is sometimes known as the mountain monkey.
The eastern Congo Basin’s montane forests are home to this species. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are among the countries where it may be found.
L’Hoest’s monkey is a solitary male with a growing number of females and young members in his little groups. To communicate with other groups, the male emits strong calls to announce his troop’s location. The troop navigates through the woods to search for food, travelling long distances on the forest floor.
L’Hoest’s monkey has a single male and several females and juvenile in each troop. To communicate with other groups, the male makes loud noises to signal their location. The troop traverses vast swaths of woodland on the ground, but climbs into the trees to hunt for food.
Growing human proximity into its native woodland habitat is posing a danger to the species. Locals also catch it for food.
Mountain Galaxia
- Scientific name: Galaxias olidus
- Type of animal: Fish
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
In the rivers and streams of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, the mountain galaxias is a small freshwater fish. During the winter, it is the only creature found higher than the snowline.
Mountain galaxias populations decline in areas where trout (a non-native species) have been introduced. Mountain galaxias return to the region once non-native fish are removed.
Mountain Goat
- Scientific name: Oreamnos americanus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
A hoofed animal native to North America, the mountain goat. It is not a genuine goat of the Capra genus, despite its name. Nonetheless, it belongs to the Caprinae subfamily of goat-antelope animals, much like the wild goat.
The Rocky and Cascades mountains are home to this species. The alpine zone above the treeline is where the mountain goat spends much of its time, living up to its name.
Males are around 30% larger than females and can reach weights of up to 140 kg / 309 lb. Both males and females have black horns that are somewhat bent, as well as beards that are somewhat longer.
The puma, wolf, brown bear, and Canada lynx are all predators of mountain goats.
Mountain Gorilla
- Scientific name: Gorilla beringei beringei
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
The mountain gorilla is one of the most well-known and vulnerable species that lives in the highlands. One of two gorilla species (the other being the western gorilla), this huge primate is a subspecies of eastern gorilla.
Mountain gorillas have thicker, longer fur than other gorillas; this is a result of their adaptation to live at lower elevations and cope with lower temperatures.
Mountain gorillas are primarily herbivorous, as are other gorillas. It consumes a variety of leaves, branches, and other plant items. Ants and termites are also among the foods it consumes.
The mountain gorillas are divided into two populations: one in the Virunga Mountains and the other in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The two populations are separated by human settlements, despite being only 25 kilometers apart.
Mountain Hare
- Scientific name: Lepus timidus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Europe; Asia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The mountain hare belongs to the Leporidae family, which also includes rabbits, as do all hares.
In hilly areas of northern Europe and Asia, the mountain hare may be found. It may be found in taiga woodlands, tundra, and coastal grasslands, despite its name.
Mountain hares’ coats turn white during the winter in most areas. In the snow, this gives you disguise. The hare may stay brown all year in regions where there is less snow. Even in the summer months, the white hare tails are visible.
Mountain hares were once thought to be a subspecies of the Arctic hare, which lives in North America. It is now recognized as a distinct species.
Snow Leopard
- Scientific name: Panthera uncia
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The snow leopard is a must-have addition to any list of mountain animals. The Himalaya and Altai mountain ranges, as well as other mountainous regions throughout Central and southern Asia, are home to this iconic animal.
Although the puma, a member of the smaller cat subfamily Felinae, is larger on average than the snow leopard, it is classified as a member of the genus Panthera.
A solitary creature, the snow leopard Via scent markings, it stays in touch with other snow leopards.
The majority of the snow leopard’s prey is wild goats and other caprids, such as Himalayan tahr and ibex.
Takin
- Scientific name: Budorcas taxicolor
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The takin is a type of goat-antelopes that belongs to the Caprinae subfamily of hoofed mammals. It lives in the eastern Himalayas during the summer, living among trees and grassy mountain slopes near the treeline. It migrates to lower ground during the winter, but only to heights of 1,000m / 3,281 ft or lower.
The species is most often found in tiny herds of around 20 animals, although in the summer, they may congregate in groups up to 300.
Grasses, bamboo shoots, leaves, and other vegetation are consumed by this herbivorous mountain animal.
The takin is prey to the snow leopard.
Verreaux’s Eagle
- Scientific name: Aquila verreauxii
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation status: Least Concern
Verreaux’s Eagle is a big white bird of prey that is also known as the black eagle. Members of the genus Aguila, also known as true eagles, are known to belong to this genus.
This mountain bird may be found up to 16,400 feet / 5,000 meters above sea level in rocky, mountainous regions of southern and central Africa. Desert, scrubland, and savanna environments are also home to the species.
The rock hyrax, a small to medium-sized rodent-like animal, is the primary prey of the Verreaux’s Eagle. At least 60% of the eagle’s diet is made up of rock hyrax.
Vicuña
- Scientific name: Vicugna vicugna
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: South America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The vicuña, which lives in the Andes, is a camelid species. In the alpine zone, it dwells above the treeline.
The vicuña visits a ‘bofedale,’ which is a high-altitude marsh that develops around a pond or stream, throughout the day. It can eat and drink here. The vicuña flees to higher ground at night to avoid being hunted.
The puma and the culpeo fox are the primary vicuña predators.
White-Tailed Ptarmigan
- Scientific name: Lagopus leucura
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The little Phasianidae family of ptarmigan includes the white-tailed ptarmigan. In North America’s mountainous regions, this crow-sized bird may be found. During the summer, it lives above the treeline, but during the winter, it descends to lower altitudes.
For surviving on mountains, the species has a variety of adaptations. It’s completely white throughout the winter to hide in the snow for camouflage. For concealment among the rocks in the summer, its plumage becomes wonderfully patterned. It has feathered feet to keep it warm.
The white-tailed ptarmigan has a white tail that lasts the entire year, unlike other ptarmigans.
Wolf
- Scientific name: Canis lupus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America, Europe, Asia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
Canidae’s dog family includes the wolf, which is the biggest member. Mountains and rocky heights are two different environments where it may be found.
Wolves are pack animals that work together to hunt and protect themselves. Wolves can take down prey animals as big as a moose or bison, and they can see off a black bear or a puma.
Although a wolf has the same sense of smell as a human, it can detect 95 percent of its prey by scent.
Wolverine
- Scientific name: Gulo gulo
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America, Europe, Asia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Mustelidae family of wolverines includes the weasel. It may be found in the North American, European, and Asian taiga woods and subarctic places. The species may be found at heights of up to 2,400m / 7,874 ft., and only ventures below 300m / 984 ft.
The dog-sized wolverine has a reputation for strength that belies its size. It looks like a small bear. Although it does capture its own prey, it mostly eats the corpses of other predators. Surplus food is commonly cached.
Mountain Animals List: Conclusion
We looked at the adaptations required to live in this harsh environment on this page, and we mentioned a number of animals that live on mountains. There are numerous additional mountain creatures that we will be adding to this list on a regular basis.