Indian
subcontinent has a rich and varied biodiversity to boast of. Infact, the
country is home to some of the most rare as well as magnificent wild
animals. Most of the wild animals of India are being protected from
poaching as well as habitat loss through the numerous national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries. Indian culture preaches respect for each and every
form of life, including wildlife. Still, greedy individuals as well as
the ever-increasing population are putting pressure on the peaceful
existence of Indian wild animals. In this section, we have provided
information on the following wild animals living in India:
Indian Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Lions once used to roam around the area, stretching from
northern Greece, across Southwest Asia, to central India. However, today
the natural habitat of the majestic animal has been reduced to the Gir
forests of India only, making the Asiatic Lion almost synonymous with
the Indian Lion.
Bengal Tiger
Bengal tiger is a subspecies of tiger, which is found in the Bengal
region of the Indian subcontinent. One of the most common tiger
subspecies, it is also found in a number of other Asian countries, like
Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tibet, etc.
Indian Black Bear
Indian black bear is also known by the names of Asiatic Black Bear
(Ursus thibetanus), Tibetan black bear, Himalayan black bear and Moon
bear. They grow to a length of approximately 4 to 6 feet, right from the
nose to the tail.
Indian Black Buck
Indian black buck is also known by a number of other names like Kala
Hiran, Sasin, Iralai Maan and Krishna Jinka. The scientific name of the
black buck antelope is Antilope cervicapra and it natural habitat is the
Indian subcontinent.
Indian Camel
The camels found in India are the single-humped camels, also known as
the Dromedary camels. Long-curved neck, deep-narrow chest and a single
hump characterize the Indian camel.
Indian Clouded Leopard
Clouded leopards belong to the Neofelis genus and have the scientific
name of Neofelis nebulosa. The average lifespan of a clouded leopard is
11 years in the wild. However, in cases of captivity, it may go upto 17
years.
Indian Deer
The name 'Deer' is given to the ruminant mammals belonging to the
family Cervidae. They are one of the most beautiful creatures on this
earth and extend to approximately 34 species.
Indian Elephant
Indian elephant, known with the scientific name of 'Elephas maximus
indicus', is a subspecies of the Asian Elephant. It is mainly found in
the Indian subcontinent, that to in the scrub forested areas.
Indian Langur
Indian langurs are lanky, long-tailed monkeys, having bushy eyebrows
and a chin tuft. They have a black face and their body color ranges from
gray to dark brown to golden.
Indian Leopard
Indian leopard is one of the 8-9 valid leopard subspecies found
throughout the world. Known by the scientific name of Panthera pardus,
it is the fourth largest of the four 'big cats' of the Panthera genus.
Indian Macaque
Macaques are considered to be the second most-widespread species in the
world, after humans. Their range stretches on from northern Africa to
Japan. Macaques comprise of 22 species in toto, out of which seven can
be found in India also.
Indian Red Panda
Red panda is a beautiful animal, found in only some other countries of
the world, including the Indian subcontinent. Scientifically known as
Ailurus fulgens, it is slightly bigger than the domestic cat and founds
a mention in the list of endangered species.
Indian Rhinoceros
Indian Rhinoceros holds the distinction of being the fourth largest
animal, after the three elephant species. Known by the scientific name
of Rhinoceros unicornis, the animal is found in only two places in the
world, Assam (India) and Nepal.
Indian Snow Leopard
Snow leopard is a native animal of mountain ranges of central and
southern Asia, including India. It is also known as Ounce and has a
scientific name of "Panthera uncia". Snow leopards can live
for a maximum of 18 years in then wild.
Indian Striped Hyena
Striped hyena belongs to the Hyaenidae family and is scientifically
known as Hyaena hyaena. Strongly related to the Brown hyena, it is
basically a solitary creature. The average lifespan of striped hyenas
hovers somewhere around 10 to 12 years in the wild.
Indian Wild Ass
Indian wild ass, also known as khur, is one of the subspecies of wild
ass belonging to southern Asia. Its scientific name is Equus hemionus
khur. Wild ass of India has an average age of 20-25 years.
Indian Wild Boar
Wild boar is considered to be the wild antecedent of the domestic pig
of the Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the Suidae biological family,
which also includes the Warthog and Bushpig of Africa, the Pygmy Hog of
northern India and the Babirusa of Indonesia.
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