The High Life

High in the hills the air may be thin, but the wildlife is not.

Mountains are the highest points on the planet's surface. Here on earth, they are measured from sea level, the tallest being around 8 km in height. Many animals that live in the mountains have adapted to cold conditions or air that doesn't have much oxygen.

Markhor Goat

Found - Pakistan and Afghanistan mountain slopes

Threats - Rare due to loss of habitat. Also hunted for horns

At the Zoo - The main breeding group in Britain

Did you know? - The Markhor goat is very rare and is so agile it can walk along a chain link fence.

Llama

Found - South American mountain grasslands

Threats - The wild relatives of the llama are killed for their meat and wool

At the Zoo - They share their enclosure with the rhea

Did you know? - All llama are domesticated and are ranched in DSouth America for their wool, and it is used as a pack animal.

Quick Facts !

* Some of the highest mountains are in Antarctica

* There are even mountains in the sea