10 rare animals you can only see in India

Indian Express

2 days ago

India is a land of incredible biodiversity, home to some of the rarest and most fascinating animal species in the world. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the dense forests of the Western Ghats, the country offers unique habitats that shelter wildlife found nowhere else.
Here are 10 of the most extraordinary animals that you can only see in India.
One of the world's most endangered mammals, the Malabar civet is a nocturnal and elusive creature found in the Western Ghats. Due to habitat destruction and hunting, it is critically endangered and rarely spotted in the wild.
This peculiar amphibian spends most of its life underground and emerges only for a few days during the monsoon for breeding. Found exclusively in the Western Ghats, the purple frog is a fascinating example of India's rich evolutionary history.
This old-world monkey is known for its distinctive silver-white mane surrounding its dark face. Endemic to the Western Ghats, it is one of the most threatened primates due to habitat loss.
Covered in protective scales, the Indian pangolin is a nocturnal and secretive creature that feeds primarily on ants and termites. It is highly threatened due to illegal poaching for its scales.
This rare flying squirrel is found only in the Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh. Little is known about its behaviour and population due to its highly restricted range.
The Hangul is an endangered species of red deer found only in the Kashmir Valley. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this beautiful animal from habitat loss and poaching.
A unique bird that builds mounds for incubating its eggs using heat from decomposing vegetation. Found only in the Nicobar Islands, this bird is a testament to India's rich avian diversity.
A subspecies of the gray wolf, the Himalayan wolf is adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of the Himalayan region. It is one of the most genetically distinct wolf species in the world.
Found only in the Andaman Islands, this bird is recognized for its striking white head and black body. Its limited range makes it a rare sight even for birdwatchers.
Once thought to be extinct, the pygmy hog is the world's smallest wild pig and is found only in Assam's grasslands. Conservation programs have successfully reintroduced it into protected areas.
India's diverse geography has given rise to an incredible variety of endemic species, many of which are critically endangered. Conservation efforts are vital to protecting these rare animals and their habitats. If you're an avid wildlife enthusiast, exploring India's national parks and wildlife reserves may give you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these extraordinary creatures in their natural environment.