India is a remarkable and unique country celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage. But it’s also renowned for another special aspect – the incredible diversity of animals in the countryside and urban areas.
India proves to be an exciting location for spotting wildlife species rarely seen elsewhere in the world. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of India’s most rare and exotic animal species.
Let’s dive in.
Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
The Indian giant flying squirrel is an absolute marvel of nature. Native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, this incredible creature has some unique abilities that make it stand out. With its large size and beautiful coloring, the Indian giant flying squirrel is a sight to behold.
But its incredible gliding ability is more impressive than its looks – using specially adapted skin membranes between its front and hind legs, it can glide hundreds of feet at a time! It’s truly amazing what this species can achieve when given a chance.
Asiatic lion
The Asiatic lion is a truly magnificent creature with a unique history deeply embedded in the culture of India. Only found in the wild today in the state of Gujarat, this species of Panthera leo has an impressive appearance. The males weigh anywhere from 160 to 190 kg, and the females anywhere from 110 to 120 kg.
But wait, there’s more; these are slightly smaller than African lions, giving them a distinctive look and adding an exotic flair to their reputation. Overall, Asiatic Lions are true wonders of nature that deserve your admiration and respect.
Indian Bison
The Indian Bison, or Gaur, is a formidable figure and an undeniable staple of South Asian and Southeast Asian wildlife. The IUCN has listed the species as vulnerable since 1986 because of its rapidly declining population worldwide. The number is estimated to be around 21,000 mature individuals in 2016 — with a majority existing in India.
What makes the Indian Bison most distinctive from other wild bovines is its strength and form; indeed, it is known for its convex shape in the forehead and powerful frame. Its beauty lies in its physical strength and place within South Asia’s diverse ecosystem. Thus, we must ensure this resilient species does not become extinct.
Bengal Tigers
The Bengal Tiger is a stunning animal, with its majestic orange and black stripes and powerful frame. From the moment they are born, Bengal Tigers are easily recognizable thanks to their distinctive white spots of fur found behind each ear. This enables their cubs to keep track of them in low-light conditions.
Not to mention that no two tigers share the same stripes – making each one unique. Found mainly in India, the Bengal Tiger is one of the world’s most charismatic megafauna and belongs to the Panthera tigris tigris subspecies population. Wild tigers are usually up to 3 meters long (including their tail), so their weight can exceed over 250 kilograms – an impressive figure for such remarkable creatures.
Sangai Deers
The Sangai deers of Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur have an intriguingly unique ability that sets them apart from other deers – they can dance! Hence, they are otherwise known as the ‘dancing’ deer.
These graceful animals can jump astonishingly high and traverse their swampy, humid (floating grassland habitat) with remarkable agility. Today, their number is a meager 260, and the national park is committed to conserving this endangered species, providing species the care and protection it deserves.
Pygmy Hog
The Pygmy hog is a marvel of nature and a true testament to the remarkable biodiversity of Manas National Park, Assam. This tiny creature is the world’s smallest and rarest wild pig. However, the most remarkable thing about it might be that it is one of the few mammals building its own home with a roof. Such ingenuity should be admired.
Unfortunately, Pygmy hog populations are at a worrying low, with current estimates suggesting less than 250 have survived in the wild. Thankfully, steps are being taken to ensure its survival – conservation efforts from organizations such as WWF in India are looking to increase the population to 60 by 2025. Fingers crossed for this incredible species.
The Bottom Line
So, explore the hardy wildlife with unique behaviors. India’s landscape has something special for all types of travelers. With experienced guides helping travelers explore safely from afar, there is no denying the wonder that India holds for those who visit its land. Start your journey today to explore the rare species!
Animal stock photos provided by Dreamstime Stock Photos & Images