Numerous wildlife sanctuaries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are devoted to the protection of the endangered animals.

Just as diverse is India’s landscape, the colossal sub-continent is home to several species of wildlife and stopover for migratory birds. Many India Tours are offering close encounters with the exotic, the brave, the meek and the endangered Indian animals. Most wildlife species listed here receive different degree of protection due to their population status.

Indian Peacock

The unique turquoise bordered eye-dot in the tear drop shaped feather is distinctive throughout the world. Used for a myriad of purposes, the feather of the Indian peacock is as special as this strutting creature. The national bird of India, with its fan-shaped wingspan is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Found throughout the Indian peninsular, the peacock enjoys full protection under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. While the male peacock proudly displays its colourful feather crest to attract the females, the latter is of more muted colour in brown.                            

Indian Tiger

60% of the world’s tiger population can be found in India. Majestically magnificent, the striped cat is prized trophy for its skin and other parts, believed to have medicinal value. To protect the huge feline from poachers and hunters, and to stem the dwindling population, the Project Tiger was implemented in 1973. There are dedicated tiger reserves in many regions of India who protect these endangered creatures as well as they implement conducive conditions to increase their population. These reserves include the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, among many other National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India. The other sub-species within this majestic cat family is the endangered Bengal Tiger, fast dwindling due to rapid loss of natural habitat and hunted for their exotic skin. Solitary and regal, the tremendous efforts under the Project Tiger have reaped positive effects for this sub-species.

Asian Lion

Numbering less than 500 in the entire world, the critically endangered Asian Lions can be found only in the Gir National Park, in the state of Gujerat. Being the sole habitat of these majestic creatures, the previous royal reserve of Gir, which is now one of the most protected areas in the Asian continent, has been active in the national park’s Lion Breeding Programme.  The Asian Lion, smaller than its African cousins with less luxuriant mane, usually live with partners lasting lifetime couplehood. As the only cats to live in groups, the typical pride characteristics can be found among the Asian Lion species.

Indian Elephant

Belonging to the species of largest herbivore mammal is the Indian Elephant is widely revered throughout India, while enjoying protection as a potential endangered species. Valued for its ivory tusks, hunting and poaching these majestic and gentle creatures were common. To prevent the escalation of dwindling population, various measures were put in place to protect these towering mammals. Usually found in many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, not just as inhabitants but a popular form of transport. Elephant safaris are known to be the best way to get up close with other endangered species and wildlife in places like the Kaziranga National Park, The Corbett National Park, just to name a few. Those parks are part of itinerary of many India Tours.

King Cobra

Revered and feared, the King cobra of the Indian cobra species, is one the of the world’s most venomous and ferocious snakes. Flaring its distinctive hood and raising its elongated body to a third of its length, with a menacing hiss, the threatened King cobra is a formidable sight and potentially fatal enemy. With enough of toxin to kill 20 men or even an elephant in one bite, the King Cobra is nothing to be trifled with. The only snake species to build nest for its eggs, the cobra’s body markings and colorings vary according to the region of its habitat.

Cobras in India enjoy special religious significance- some are even considered to be deities and prayed to, with servings of milk. There is even a Serpent Festival in different region of India, where the ring-hooded reptile is well fed and anointed with worship. Adding to its mysticism, snake charming is another exotic facet to this reptile, where a trance inducing music from the charmer’s flute, or rather the instrument’s shape seem to lead this respected reptile through sinewy motions.

Indian Rhinoceros

Also known as the One-Horned Rhinoceros can be found protected in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. This endangered species was hunted for its horn believed to have medicinal value as well as for ornamental purposes. Distinctive by its armour-like hide with loose folds of skin, this massive herbivorous creature can charge at a speed of up to 48km per hour and are nimble enough to quickly change direction despite their bulky build.

Black Buck

Belonging to the antelope family, this sub-specie is a true native of the Indian sub-continent. Commonly found in open plains and known for their speed, their population was under threat due to intense hunting and poaching. Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, after decades of being the trophy of princely hunts, this graceful hoofed creature is also the state animal of Andhra Pradesh.  

Lion-tailed Macaque

A unique species of Macaque, one of the most threatened and rarest of the primate family, this silver-white maned creature is found only in India. Excellent swimmer, it can be covered in either black or dark brown fur and usually tropical rainforests or dry forests especially the biodiversity hotspot in Western Ghats in the southern region of India. The population has been under threat due to the loss of their natural habitats and being hunted for their fur and meat but you might be lucky to spot it during your India Tour.

Chital Deer

The chital, known by various other names such as the axis deer or the spotted deer is one of the most common deer species in the Indian sub-continent which is the native home of these nimble grazers. Found in most major national parks in India, these white-spotted reddish colored deers are found in large population all across their natural habits in most region of India.

Cattle- Buffaloes, Cows, Goats and their young

Not as majestic or held in high esteem as some of the animals mentioned previously, but the common cattle livestock are intrinsic part of rural and agricultural region of India. Be it for plugging the fields, providing fresh milk daily, using cow dung for a myriad of uses, these livestock can be found in every other village home. In Tamil Nadu, there is a harvest festival just in the honor of the cow which is highly revered, even sacred by Hindus. The morning milkman call is an alarm clock for many living in the villages and suburban areas.