India is home to thousands of species of wild animals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. More than 25% of land in Indian states is covered with dense forests that provide shelter to this wildlife. Different parks and game reserves across the country have diverse animals. So it is good to know about the Indian wildlife and where to spot them if you are planning a safari trip. Below we have listed the 7 different types of Indian wildlife, and the top national parks where you can spot them.
1. Bengal Tiger
State: Madhya Pradesh
Reserve: Bandhavargh National Park
Royal Bengal Tiger is also known as the ‘Big Cat’. Bandhavgarh is the most notable national park in India - famous for its Tiger reserve. So, there is a high chance of seeing a tiger in the wild at this park. The Bengal tiger is the second largest species of the wild cat after the Siberian tiger. It is also the national animal of India and has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
2. Asiatic Lions
State: Gujarat
Reserve: Gir National Park
The imperial home of the Royal Jungle King, the Asiatic Lions are one of the only five pantherine cats found in India. The King of the Jungle has a life span of 16-18 years. Today, Asiatic lions can only be seen in the Gir National Park of Gujarat, which is home to 411 lions (according to the last census).
3. Saltwater Crocodiles
State: Odisha
Reserve: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
One of Odisha's prime attractions, the mangrove of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the highest population of threatened Indian saltwater crocodiles - the largest living reptile. There are over 1,600 crocodiles here, and their average life span is 70 years. Also, the largest crocodile on the planet (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) is found here, which is a tremendous 23 feet long! You can take a boat trip through the mangroves to see the crocodiles sunbathing on the mudflats.
4. Indian Elephants
State: Kerela
Reserve: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Indian elephants are listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss, degeneration and fragmentation. Elephants are labelled as mega-herbivores and have a lifespan of 100 years. The largest population of Asiatic elephants is found in South India, with Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary being home to most of these majestic creatures. Other places to spot wild Indian elephants are the foot of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the Western Ghats and few protected areas in the Terai of the northeast.
5. Blackbuck
State: Gujarat
Reserve: Blackbuck National Park
Blackbuck or Indian antelope is found in grassy plains and slightly forested areas. They are the fastest running wild animal in India and have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Blackbuck is the most beautiful Indian antelope and sole extant member of the Antilope family.
6. Snow Leopard
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Reserve: Hemis National Park
If the probability of detecting a leopard in the wild isn't compelling enough, try your luck at pursuing the very elusive snow leopard in the high altitude of Hemis National Park. Located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the scenery consists of striking snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and snow deserts. Snow Leopard is a large wild cat that resides in the high altitude alpine forest at the height of 9,800 to 14,800 ft. They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and are scattered across the states of Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
7. Black Panther
State: Karnataka
Reserve: Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Black Panther is a part of the Indian leopard species. They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and are found in the thick forests of Nagarhole, Kabini and Dandeli in Karnataka. One can also spot black panthers in Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra, and the forest of Assam and Chhattisgarh.
To sum up,
There are different types of wildlife in India. Different reserves around the country are well-known for various species of wildlife. So, you can pick an India safari destination depending on the animals you want to see.
