India is a mega diverse country with only 2.4% of the world’s land area but accounts for 7-8 % of all recorded species, including over 45000 species of plants and 91000 species of animals. Of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots, 4 are present in India represented by Himalayas, Western Ghats, the North East and the Nicobar islands.
India is home to more than 100(102) National Parks, more than 500 (527) wildlife sanctuaries, 57 conservation reserves and 4 community reserves covering 5.07% of the country’s geographical area.
It is a fact that no two parks or sanctuaries are same. They have different topography and home to different fauna and flora. These parks and sanctuaries are crowns of India with their own set of jewels. For example Hemis National Park in Ladakh is home of snow leopard, Dachigam National Park in Srinagar is the only place to observe Kashmir stag or Hangul. Gir National park in the west is the only abode in the world for Asiatic Lions. Kaziranga National park in the east is the best place for one horned rhinoceros. Apart from Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh National Parks in the Central india for seeing Royal Bengal tiger, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has emerged latest star on the world map not only for tiger but also for leopard and sloth bear. Of course Kanha National Park is famous for hard ground barasingha(12 horned deer). Nagarhole National park in Southern India provides best of the sightings for shy leopard and Asiatic elephants. In reality each and every park or sanctuary has some specialty. It is impossible to see or visit every park in one’s lifetime.
Although tiger is found in 13 countries of the world but dream of seeing and photographing can be fulfilled in India. Apart from Royal Bengal tiger other animals which are only found in India are Asiatic lion, wild ass, one horned rhinoceros, lion tailed macaque, hard ground barasingha, hangul, chousingha, Indian blackbuck and many more.
It is relevant to mention here that as forests are quite dense with thick undergrowth, light conditions are poor as compared to open grasslands of Africa. However India continues to remain at the heart of every wildlife photographer of the world as it is still unexplored and nature has not still revealed many of its secrets.