Harsh terrain High mountains are a bleak habitat for animal life.
Food is scarce and the climate is very cold.
Ironically, because the terrain is so inhospitable, animals here have been comparatively sheltered from human interference. Mammals living here have adapted to survive the bitter cold and most have thick woolly fur. Mountain sheep and goats like the chamois and ibex are very sure-footed to help them climb the jagged, craggy slopes. Life is particularly tough for large predators. Apart from the cold, their prey are scarce and quick-footed.