India is one of the most biodiverse regions and is home to a large variety of wildlife. It is one of the 17 megadiverse countries and contains three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots-the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, and the Indo-Burma hotspot. With the great variety of landscape-from the Himalayas in the north down to the coastal regions in the south, and from the desert terrains of the west to the lush forests in the east-Indian wildlife can almost be unmatched in diversity and richness.
Classification Of Species
Wildlife in India is immensely diverse, with a huge range of species across its varied ecosystems. What follows is an overview of a number of notable wildlife species found in India, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Mammals
- Bengal Tiger: The tiger is the national animal of India. It is primarily found in various national parks and reserves, such as Ranthambore and Sundarbans.
- Asian Elephant: Asian elephants are primarily found in northeastern states, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which are characterized by big body dimensions with intricate patterns of social organization.
- The Indian Leopard or Panthera pardus fusca is widely distributed across varied habitats ranging from forest and grassland to even urban environments.
- Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros: Rhinoceros unicornis, mainly found in Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, represents a single-horned species that is considered extremely important due to its current status.
- Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): Native to the Indian subcontinent, sloth bears are identified by their shaggy fur and a diet comprising mainly of insects, fruits, and small animals.
- Gaur: Also called the Indian bison, the gaur inhabits the Western Ghats and parts of central India.
Birds
- Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus): Renowned for its stunning feathers and intricate courtship display, the Indian peafowl inhabits various regions across the Indian subcontinent.
- Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps): This large bird, critically endangered, resides in the dry grasslands and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis): This impressive and robust owl can be spotted in forested and rocky regions across India.
- Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus): With its distinctive black head and white body, this bird is commonly found in wetlands and along riverbanks.
- Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone): Known as the tallest flying bird, it resides in wetlands and shallow water areas in northern India.
Reptiles
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): Known as the longest venomous snake in the world, it inhabits the forests of the Western Ghats and northeastern India.
- Indian Python (Python molurus): This sizable snake can be found in various environments, including forests and grasslands.
- Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): Native to the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, this dolphin species is critically endangered.
- Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans): Easily identified by its distinctive star-patterned shell, it resides in the arid regions of the Indian subcontinent.
Amphibians
- Indian Tree Frog (Polypedates maculatus): This frog thrives in a range of environments, from forests to gardens, showcasing its remarkable adaptability.
- Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus): Hailing from the Western Ghats, this species is recognized for its unique ability to glide from tree to tree.
- Himalayan Newt (Tylototriton verrucosus): Residing in the higher elevations of the Himalayas, it is celebrated for its vibrant coloration.
Fish
- Mahseer (Tor spp.): This large freshwater fish inhabits the rivers of the Indian subcontinent and is highly sought after by sport fishermen.
- Goonch Catfish (Bagarius yarrelli): A sizable predatory catfish native to the rivers of northern India.
- Hilsa Fish (Tenualosa ilisha): This fish plays a crucial role in local fisheries and is commonly found in the rivers of eastern India, including the Ganges.
India’s wildlife diversity showcases the country’s rich and varied natural environments. To safeguard these species and their habitats, conservation efforts are essential, especially in light of challenges like habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts.