We’re sure you can rattle off Africa’s wildlife stars, but can you list our own?
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Our national animal was once almost hunted to extinction, but today, there are more wild tigers in India than in the rest of Asia. Project Tiger set aside different habitat types for the cat—from the mangroves of the Sundarbans to the arid forests of Ranthambore.
Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba-Andhari, Kanha, Pench and Corbett.
Where to see the Bengal Tiger
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Arguably best known for its tigers, India is, in truth, the land of elephants. And virtually everywhere they exist, you will find undisturbed forests that provide the country with the most elusive of all resources: freshwater.
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar, Corbett, Rajaji, Nagarhole and Sathyamangalam.
Where to see elephants
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The very elusiveness of this endangered, solitary cat, combined with the harsh climate of the terrain, makes it a challenge to spot it. A warming climate and melting glaciers further threaten this rare cat, whose isolation has always been its greatest protection.
There have been increased sightings in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Where to see the Snow leopard
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Unlike their African cousins, Asiatic lions share a remarkable relationship with humans, with both being a little more tolerant of each other. The credit for their increasing population, despite all the threats, goes to the commitment of local communities around Gir.
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Where to see the Asiatic Lion
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While Kaziranga is home to otters, elephants and wild Asiatic water buffaloes, it’s the rhinos that are the star attraction, particularly soon after the monsoon. Though Kaziranga is their stronghold, they can also be reliably spotted in other forests.