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MAMMALS
Moupin Pika Ochotona thibetana: A few sightings at the higher elevations.
Black Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor: Superb looks at these impressive beasts near Yongkola, and a
few near Morong and Deothang which were strangely frozen in static positions, as if
sleeping.
Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel Dremomys lokriah: Seen regularly, particularly on the
Lingmethang Road.
Irrawaddy Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus: A couple seen in the south-east.
Himalayan Striped Squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii: These tiny squirrels were seen often in the warm
broad-leaved forests.
Hairy-footed Flying Squirrel Belomys pearsonii: The result of an otherwise thrill-free night drive near
Yongkola, one flew across the road and then sat in a small tree showing mostly his
underside, though occasionally some dorsal chestnut pelage could be seen.
Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula: The first was surprised at the roadside on the Dochu La,
then two went bounding along the shore while we watched the White-bellied Heron,
with a fourth showing really well as it emerged from the foliage on a dead tree trunk near
Yongkola.
Nepal Grey Langur Semnopithecus schistaceus: Great looks at three near Thimphu, and another
two of these large animals was seen on the way up to the Pele La.
Golden Leaf Monkey (G Langur) Trachypithecus geei: At least six were seen rather distantly in the
valley at Tongsa, scoped at range but a good view nevertheless. A rare and highly
localised animal only discovered in 1956.
Capped Leaf Monkey (C Langur) Trachypithecus pileatus: Multiple sightings of these splendid animals
along the Lingmethang Road and throughout the southeast, with the most seen around
the Kori La.
Assam Macaque Macaca assamensis: A roadside troop was seen en-route to the Pele La, a single on
the Lingmethang Road, and a noisy group near Samdrup Jongkhar.
Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer) Muntiacus muntjak: A couple seen near Yongkola, and another on
the Kori La.
Sambar Cervus unicolor: A single beast crossed the road near Tashigang, a write-in no less.
28 Birdquest: Bhutan 2012