Must See Mammals Species in India

13 May 2023
Date : 13 May 2023 | Category: Wildlife Safaris in India

Must See Mammals Species in India

India is a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting a rich array of flora and fauna. The country is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense tropical forests to high-altitude mountains and arid deserts. One of the most fascinating and diverse groups of animals in India is the mammals. India is home to over 400 species of mammals, ranging from tiny shrews to massive elephants and tigers. In this article, we will highlight the top must-see mammal species in India.

 

  1. Bengal Tiger

The Bengal Tiger is undoubtedly the most iconic mammal species in India, and for a good reason. It is the national animal of India and is also one of the most endangered species of tigers in the world. The Bengal Tiger is found mainly in the dense forests of India, especially in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. With its distinctive stripes and powerful build, the Bengal Tiger is a majestic and awe-inspiring sight to behold.

 

  1. Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic Lion is another iconic mammal species in India, and it is one of the rarest big cat species in the world. It is only found in the Gir Forest National Park in the state of Gujarat. The Asiatic Lion is slightly smaller than its African counterpart but is just as formidable. Its thick mane and regal appearance make it a true king of the jungle.

 

  1. Asiatic Elephant

The Asiatic Elephant is the largest land animal in Asia, and it is found mainly in the forests of India and Southeast Asia. In India, the Asiatic Elephant is found in the states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These magnificent animals are highly intelligent and social, and they play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystems.

 

  1. Snow Leopard

The Snow Leopard is one of the most elusive and endangered big cat species in the world. It is found mainly in the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas in India. The Snow Leopard's thick coat and large paws are adaptations to its harsh and unforgiving environment, where it preys mainly on mountain goats and other ungulates.

 

  1. One-horned Rhinoceros

The One-horned Rhinoceros, also known as the Indian Rhinoceros, is a massive and imposing animal that is found mainly in the grasslands and swamps of India and Nepal. It is the fourth-largest land animal in the world, after the elephant, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. The One-horned Rhinoceros is known for its distinctive armor-like skin and its single horn, which can grow up to 25 inches long.

 

 

  1. Dhole

The Dhole, also known as the Indian Wild Dog, is a highly social and intelligent canid that is found mainly in the forests of India and Southeast Asia. It is known for its unique vocalizations and its cooperative hunting strategies, which allow it to take down prey much larger than itself. The Dhole is a fascinating and charismatic animal that is sadly threatened by habitat loss and persecution by humans.

 

  1. Sloth Bear

The Sloth Bear is a shaggy and lumbering mammal that is found mainly in the forests of India and Sri Lanka. It is named after its slow and deliberate movements, which are due to its long and curved claws. The Sloth Bear is a solitary animal that feeds mainly on termites and ants, and it is known for its distinctive snuffling and grunting sounds.

 

  1. Red Panda

The Red Panda is a small and adorable mammal that is found mainly in the forests of India, Nepal, and China. It is known for its distinctive reddish-brown fur and bushy tail, which it uses for balance and to keep warm in the cold mountain forests where it lives. The Red Panda is a solitary animal that feeds mainly on bamboo, but it will also eat fruit, nuts, and insects. Despite its cute appearance, the Red Panda is threatened by habitat loss and poaching, and it is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

 

  1. Indian Leopard

The Indian Leopard is a sleek and agile big cat that is found mainly in the forests and grasslands of India. It is smaller than the Bengal Tiger but is no less impressive. The Indian Leopard is a highly adaptable predator that can thrive in a range of habitats, from dense forests to urban areas. It is known for its spotted coat, which allows it to blend in with its surroundings, and its stealthy hunting strategies.

 

Visiting India's National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

The best way to see India's amazing mammal species is by visiting its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. India has over 100 national parks and more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Here are some of the top national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to visit in India.

 

  1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best places in India to see Bengal Tigers. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 450 square kilometers. In addition to tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to a range of other wildlife species, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and Indian bison.

 

 

  1. Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat

Gir Forest National Park is the only place in the world where Asiatic Lions can be seen in the wild. It is located in the state of Gujarat and covers an area of 1,412 square kilometers. In addition to lions, Gir Forest is also home to other wildlife species, including leopards, hyenas, jackals, and various species of deer.

 

  1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its population of One-horned Rhinoceroses. It is located in the state of Assam and covers an area of 430 square kilometers. In addition to rhinos, Kaziranga is also home to tigers, elephants, water buffalo, and a range of bird species.

 

  1. Hemis National Park, Ladakh

Hemis National Park is located in the high-altitude mountains of Ladakh and is one of the best places in India to see Snow Leopards. It covers an area of 4,400 square kilometers and is also home to other wildlife species, including Himalayan blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and Eurasian lynx.

 

  1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala and is known for its population of Asiatic Elephants. It covers an area of 925 square kilometers and is also home to tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and various species of monkeys.

 

  1. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park is located in the state of Karnataka and is known for its population of Indian Leopards. It covers an area of 874 square kilometers and is also home to tigers, elephants, gaurs, and various species of deer.

 

India is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, with a rich diversity of mammal species that are found nowhere else in the world. From the regal Bengal Tiger to the elusive Snow Leopard, India's mammal