When you think of India and its rich wildlife, the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger inevitably comes to mind. While India proudly hosts 70% of the world’s tiger population, there’s so much more to its wildlife than just these majestic creatures. From unique mammal species to abundant avifauna and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, India truly is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. The country boasts some of the most biodiverse regions globally, with its varied physical features and climatic conditions giving rise to numerous ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal and marine environments. These ecosystems support high biodiversity and contribute significantly to human well-being. Four of the 34 recognized biodiversity hotspots in the world—the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Nicobar Islands—are located here and are home to many endemic species. Indians have coexisted with nature for centuries, a fact reflected in our culture through traditional practices, religious beliefs, rituals, folklore, arts and crafts, and daily life. Here’s a brief overview of some diverse mammal and bird species found across our incredible country.
The breathtaking Himalayan Mountain Ranges in the north are home to several exclusive wildlife species. Among them is the elusive Snow Leopard, often called the ghost of the mountains. Other mammals found in this region include the Tibetan Wolf, Pallas Cat, Red Fox, Tibetan Sand Fox, Tibetan Argali, Siberian Ibex, Tibetan Gazelle, Blue Sheep, Kiang, Himalayan Brown Bear and the Himalayan Black Bear. Birdwatchers will also find paradise in these ranges, which are home to a variety of bird species, such as the Golden Eagle, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Upland Buzzard, Bearded Vulture, Black-necked Crane, Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and many others. Northern India, rich in natural resources, is dotted with wildlife sanctuaries, including the famous Jim Corbett National Park, known for its tigers and Asiatic elephants.
Moving to North Eastern India, you’ll find the renowned One-Horned Rhinoceros, a symbol of India’s wildlife. This region is also home to Asiatic Wild Buffaloes, Asiatic Elephants, Golden Langurs, Capped Langurs, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Assamese Macaques, Red Pandas, and numerous other exclusive species. The Hoolock Gibbon, India’s only ape, also resides here, alongside the incredibly rare Clouded Leopard. Birdlife in this area includes the Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Ward’s Trogon, Great Indian Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Oriental Bay Owl, and countless other species that inhabit these less explored terrains.
Not far from here lies the unique biome of the Sundarbans. This mangrove forest is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Jungle Cats, Fishing Cats, Gangetic Dolphins, and a wealth of other species. The mangroves also host a diverse array of birds, reptiles, and aquatic fauna.
In Central India, the landscape is dominated by dry deciduous forests. This eco-region, stretching along the Narmada River Valley and flanking the Vindhya and Satpura Mountain Ranges, although not particularly rich in endemism, still offers essential habitats for many of the Indian Subcontinent’s large animals, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other mammals here include Indian Gaur, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Blue Bulls, Barking Deer, and several more species. These forests are also home to the critically endangered Forest Owlet.
The lush forests of the Western Ghats and Southern India are known for housing the elusive Black Panther. Other mammals include Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Asiatic Elephants, Wild Dogs, Indian Gaur, Lion-tailed Macaques, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Nilgiri Langurs, Nilgiri Tahr, and various common species. The region also boasts a rich diversity of forest birds, including the Malabar Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bulbul, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon, and many others!
When discussing the Northwest, one cannot overlook the Asiatic Lion, which once roamed across Southeastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East but is now only found within the boundaries of Gir National Park in India—the last stronghold of the Asiatic Lion in the world. Other mammals in the region include the Indian Grey Wolf, Indian Striped Hyena, Desert Fox, Indian Wild Ass, Blackbucks, Chinkaras, and many others. The area is also home to critically endangered bird species like the Great Indian Bustard, McQueen’s Bustard, and Lesser Florican. It serves as a haven for raptors and migratory birds, with highlights including Lesser Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, Demoiselle Cranes, Greater Spotted Eagles, Imperial Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Egyptian Vultures, and Cinereous Vultures.
Due to the varied eco-zones across the country, India is characterized by a unique richness and diversity in its vegetation and wildlife. Covering just 2% of the world’s landmass, India is home to 8% of the world’s biodiversity. This overview offers just a glimpse into India’s diverse wildlife, with much more yet to be explored. Our actions today will shape the future of the rich biodiversity that our nation is blessed with.
Let’s hope that our diverse Indian wildlife continues to thrive and flourish in the years to come.
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