1. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): Found in the high mountains of Central and South Asia, the snow leopard is an apex predator adapted to the cold and harsh conditions of the alpine tundra. However, their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss due to overgrazing, and habitat fragmentation.
2. Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis): This graceful crane species breeds in the high-altitude wetlands and alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and migrates to lower elevations for wintering. Wetlands degradation, hunting, and urbanization have significantly reduced their populations.
3. Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii): Also known as the Tibetan antelope, chiru is a medium-sized antelope native to the alpine steppes and plateaus of Tibet and the Chang Tang region. Poaching for their luxurious wool (shahtoosh) and habitat degradation threaten their survival.
4. Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex): This agile mountain goat inhabits the high alpine regions of the European Alps, Carpathians, and parts of Turkey and Spain. Hunting, trophy hunting, and habitat loss have impacted their populations.
5. Pika (Ochotona spp.): Pikas are small, mountain-dwelling rodents found in alpine tundra and rocky habitats across North America and Asia. Some pika species are considered endangered due to habitat loss and warming temperatures, as they are sensitive to changes in their thermal environment.
6. Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana): Endemic to the eastern Himalayas, the Himalayan marmot is a large rodent that lives in alpine meadows and scree slopes. Overhunting, climate change affecting vegetation, and habitat degradation threaten their survival.
7. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug): This large falcon breeds in the open grasslands, steppes, and semi-deserts of Central Asia, including alpine tundra habitats. Saker falcons face threats from habitat destruction, illegal trapping and hunting, and pesticide poisoning.
8. Siberian Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus): Inhabiting the alpine forests, meadows, and tundra of Central and East Asia, the Siberian musk deer is a small, solitary ungulate. Excessive hunting for their musk glands, used in traditional medicine, has led to population declines.
9. Ussurian Ibex (Capra sibirica coreana): Found in the mountainous regions of the Russian Far East and Northeast China, the Ussurian ibex is a subspecies of the Siberian ibex. Their limited population and habitat degradation pose significant threats to their survival.
10. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): While not exclusively found in alpine tundra, the golden eagle is an iconic raptor that inhabits mountainous regions, including alpine habitats. Habitat destruction and human disturbances, such as wind turbines, can impact their populations.
These are just a few examples of endangered species found in alpine tundra ecosystems. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable land management practices, are crucial to safeguard these vulnerable species and preserve the unique biodiversity of alpine tundra regions.