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Where is the Tibetan Plateau? -

The Tibetan Plateau lies at the intersection of Central, South, and East Asia between the Himalayan range to the south and the Taklamakan Desert to the north.

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What is the Tibetan Plateau? -

This vast plateau encompasses all of the Tibet Autonomous Region and much of China's Qinghai province.

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A vast land -

With an area of 2,500,000 sq. m (965,000 sq. mi) and an average elevation exceeding 4,500 m (14,800 ft), it is the world's highest and largest plateau above sea level.

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Welcome to the "roof of the world" -

The plateau is surrounded by mountains and uplands, an area crowned by two of the world's highest peaks, Mount Everest and K2. Its location is often referred to as the "roof of the world."

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A vital water source -

The Tibetan Plateau serves as a vital water source for numerous rivers and streams in the region, including the three longest rivers in Asia—the Yellow (pictured), Yangtze, and Mekong.

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The Holy Lakes -

The three holiest lakes in Tibet— Yamdrok Tso, Nam Tso, and Manasarovar (pictured)—are sunk deep into the plateau.

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Himalayan wolf -

Wildlife enthusiasts regard the Tibetan Plateau with particular awe. It's home to around 800 species of animals, about 40 of which are endemic to the region. Among these is the Himalayan wolf, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared Endangered on its Red List.

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Tibetan yak -

One of the most iconic creatures found roaming the plateau is the yak. These heavily-built animals have been bred domestically for centuries.

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Tibetan antelope -

Listed as Near-Threatened by the IUCN, the Tibetan antelope prefers flat, open plains, but can also be found at altitudes of up to 5,500 m (18,044 ft).

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Snow leopard -

The Tibetan Plateau region has the highest density of snow leopards on the planet. This beautiful and elusive apex predator thrives in its cold and remote habitat, but is still classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable due to hunting and loss of habitat.

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Kiang -

The kiang is the largest of the wild donkeys. A native of the plateau, these sturdy animals are found in small herds between the Himalayas in the south and the Kunlun Mountains to the north.

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Argali -

The argali, or mountain sheep, is the largest species of wild sheep in the world and recognized for its magnificent horns—used in traditional Chinese medicine, which is why the argali is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

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Tibetan blue bear -

One of the rarest subspecies of bear in the world, the Tibetan blue bear is rarely sighted in the wild. Its exact conservation status is unknown, but if you do catch a glimpse of this majestic animal on your travels, consider yourself very fortunate indeed.

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Bharal -

Another sure-footed animal found on the plateau is the bharal, otherwise known as the blue sheep. They are fortunately found in abundance.

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Tibetan snowcock -

More than 650 species of birds have been recorded patrolling the Tibetan Plateau. Gracing the region's alpine pastures is the handsome Tibetan snowcock.

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Ruddy shelduck -

The plateau's many lakes and rivers  are home to a huge variety of waterfowl. The ruddy shelduck visits the region in summer to breed.

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Black-necked crane -

Near Threatened according to the IUCN, the magnificent black-necked crane is revered in Buddhist traditions and culturally protected across much of its range.

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Tibetan eared pheasant -

One of many game birds seen on the plateau, the Tibetan eared pheasant is so-named for the "ear" tufts sprouting from the side of the bird's head. This species is also classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN's Red List.

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Himalayan vulture -

The wide-open sky above the plateau is the realm of the Himalayan vulture. Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, this regal raptor lives at an elevation range of 1,200–5,500 m (3,900–18,000 ft).

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Himalayan jumping spider -

One of the weirdest creatures calling the Tibetan Plateau home is Euophrys omnisuperstes, a species of jumping spider. This tiny and toxic arachnid lives at elevations of up to 6,700 m (22,000 ft) in the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. It's believed to be the highest known permanent resident on Earth.

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Yangbajain valley -

Yangbajain valley is famous for its geothermal field, a region of hot springs that prompted the building of the Holy Medical Spring Resort, a local visitor attraction. Also drawn to the warm waters is a particular serpent, the aptly named hot-spring snake. Endemic to Tibet, this rare and near threatened snake regularly takes to the bubbling streams in order to keep warm.

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Lhasa -

More than 50% of the Tibetan Plateau's population live in areas around 3,500 m (11,482 ft) above sea level. That includes the residents of Lhasa, the administrative capital. Indeed, it's one of the highest cities in the world.

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Cultural sites -

Lhasa is an enchanting city to explore, featuring as it does an array of palaces and temples, many dating back to the 17th century.

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The plateau's human history -

Human history associated with the Tibetan Plateau can be traced back 40,000 years. One of the most notable civilizations to have developed on the plateau is the Tibetan Empire from the 7th century to the 9th century CE. Pictured are two Tibetan monks walking in fresh snow with their horses on the 15th day of Saka Dawa, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar.

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A prized ingredient -

The Tibetan Plateau is home to the cordyceps fungus, also known as caterpillar fungus, a parasitic spore that thrives in high altitude, low temperature conditions. While not historically a part of Tibetan culture, cordyceps are a prized ingredient of traditional Asian medicinal treatments that purportedly heal ailments ranging from asthma to impotence to cancer.

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Buddhist tradition -

In this image, Tibetan Buddhist monks are seen walking to unveil a thangka painting for Monlam, otherwise known as the Great Prayer Festival of Losar—the Tibetan New Year—at the Gartse Monastery in Guashize, Tongren County, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

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Qinghai-Tibet Plateau -

West and south of the Tibetan Plateau is the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, sometimes termed the "Third Pole" because its ice fields contain the largest reserve of fresh water outside the polar regions. Climate change is a real threat to the future sustainability of this region.

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A nomadic way of life -

Also under threat is the traditional way of life enjoyed by Tibetan nomads. They face many challenges, including political pressures, forced resettlement by China's government, and rapid modernization. And climate change is always an issue.

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Life on a high -

Nomadic culture is embroidered throughout the Tibetan Plateau region. The hardiest nomads live in altitudes above 4,800 m (15,748 ft). Because they were born and raised at such heights, and through heredity, these Tibetans have more nitric oxide in their blood than any other ethnic group.

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A land under threat -

Increasing urbanization, however, threatens this centuries-old culture. Coupled with the effects of climate change and the impact this is having on the region's flora and fauna, the Tibetan Plateau is becoming an ever more fragile environment, its ecology and social structure more vulnerable than ever.

Sources: (IUCN) (ScienceDirect) (American Association for the Advancement of Science) (National Institutes of Health)

See also: What can you do to help combat climate change? 

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