Housing 10% of the world's species, India is considered a megadiverse nation. There are about 45,000 species of plants or seven perent of the world's total and about 33% of it are considered endemic or native to the country. There are also 15,000 flower species or 6% of the world's total, and about 1,500 of it is already considered endangered.
India hosts animals that are considered rare and exotic. It has 91,000 animal species, representing 6.5% of the world's fauna. 60,000 of these are insect species, 2,456fish species, 372 mammals, 500 mollusks, over 440 reptiles, and 200 amphibians most of them are in the Western Ghats.
In celebration of this beautiful wildlife, let's have a look at some of these rare, beautiful and elusive species of animals found in India.
1. Malabar Giant Squirrel
A specie that is native in India, the Malabar Giant Squirrel or also known as Shekru comes in vibrant colors of black, cream and purple.
Malabar Giant Squirrel
It is not easy to spot these squirrel despite measuring 3ft in length. Unlike other squirrels who store their food in the ground, these vibrant and colorful rodents jump from one tree to another to store their food up in the treetops.
These rodents are commonly spotted throughout the Western Ghats and Satpura Range.
2. Gee's Golden Langur
In India, these species are only found in western Assam. But they are commonly seen in areas lying the Indio-Bhutan border. Golden Langur is considered an endangered species.
Gee's golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), also known as simply the golden langur, is an Old World monkey found in a small region of western Assam, India and in the neighboring foothills of the Black Mountains of Bhutan. It is one of the most endangered primate species of India. Long considered sacred by many Himalayan people, the golden langur was first brought to the attention of the western world by the naturalist E. P. Gee in the 1950s. In a part of Bhutan, it has hybridised with the capped langur T. pileatus.
They have a slightly red fur on the top and sides and lighter color underneath. Their furs change depending on the season. It becomes dark golden chestnut in winter and it is more cream-colored during summer.
3. Dugong
Dugong or Sea Cow
Dugongs or sea cows are enormous vegetarian mammals that are common in warm coastal areas in the Indian Ocean. According to a survey conducted by XSI in 2013, only 250 dugongs are only left in the Indian Sea.
4. Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
A majority of the species of squirrel are found in the northwestern states. Not much is known of this specie other than their flying membrane extends from their wrists to ankles, which enables them to glide.
5. Snow Leopard
Snow leopards can thrive in the most extreme environments, and they are also considered elusive cats. They were once considered endangered but they have increased in number in India landing them in the 'vulnerable category.'
Snow Leopard
Snow Leopards live in the high-altitude protected areas of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
6. Lion-tailed Macaque
This species is an endemic of the Western Ghats in Southern India, this primate is considered as endangered by the IUCN.
Lion-tailed Macaque
They have a black shiny coat with a striking grey mane around its face and the tuft at the end of its tail that looks like a lion's tail, hence, the name of this animal.
7. Himalayan Tahr
Himalayan Tahr
A sub-species of wild goats, it is widely found in the snow-covered mountain ranges of Himalayas. IUCN has labeled this animal as 'near threatened' because of the wide loss of their habitat and poaching.
8. Red Panda
Red Panda
These cute animals are listed as endangered with the rapid deforestation, and the increase in trekking trails cutting through their habitat. They are found in protected areas such as Neora Valley, National park, Khangchendzonga Natural Park, and Singalila National Park.
9. Hangul
KAshmir State's Hangul
These subspecies of a deer are native to India and are found in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir. They stand out among other species of deer because of their magnificent antlers. Classified as critically endangered, they receive protection only in the Dachigam National Park in J&K.
10. Indian Flying Fox
Indian Flying Fox
An Indian Flying Fox is a fruit bat that looks like a fox. They live tropical forests and swamps and are endemic to South Central Asia.
11. Nilgiri Marten
Nilgiri Martem Photo Credit: Prakash Ramakrishnan
This elusive carnivorous mammal can be spotted in the Pampadum Shola National Park in the Munnar Wildlife Division, but are found exclusively in the Western Ghats. They are known for their lemon-yellow colored patch on their throats.
12. Himalayan Marmot
Himalayan Marmot in Ladakh, India Photo Credit: Meghna Banerjee
Himalayan marmots are the best example of animals adapting to the oxygen-starved environment. They hide in burrows as deep as 30ft for more than 6 months during winter. It is not advisable to feed them because it might endanger their lives. These animals can be found in Ladakh.
13. Himalayan Brown Bear
Himalayan Brown Bear
After going extinct in Bhutan, it might be that it now only exists in India and Pakistan. They are found in the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh or sometimes in the south and western Ladakh.
14. Indian Chevrotain (Mouse Deer)
Native to Southeast Asia & African rainforests, the chevrotain, or mouse deer, are either solitary or live in pairs. And they’re damn cute too.
Also an endangered animal, these species may be found in semi-evergreen and deciduous forests of Karnataka, Telangana, and Chattisgarh. They live a solitary life, and unlike the other species of deers, they don't have the antlers.
15. Honey Badger
Honey Badger
Honey badgers are found in the jungles of Africa and are known for their exceptional defensive abilities. They are silver-grey on their back, tail, and head and black elsewhere. These animals are given protection under the Wildlife Protection Act.
16. Chiru
The chiru goat or also known as Tibetan Antelope
An endemic to Tibet, Chiru can also be found in the Ladakh region in India. They are considered endangered species that is why they are granted special protection in India.
How beautiful it is to be endowed with such magnificent wildlife. But many of them may someday go extinct if we don't mend our ways. It would harm all humanity if that happens because we will lose the balance in our ecosystem. Thus, humans should take responsibility for their actions and be careful not to harm any living organism and to our environment.
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