Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is one of India’s best places to see wildlife up close. While it is most famous for its tigers, the park is also home to a wide variety of species. Just like Africa has its Big Five, Tadoba has its own set of five iconic animals that stand out for visitors: the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian wild dog (dhole), and gaur.
Royal Bengal Tiger
(Panthera tigris tigris)
The star of Tadoba, the tiger is the park’s biggest attraction. With open landscapes, waterholes, and healthy prey, Tadoba offers some of the best chances to see tigers in the wild.
Indian Leopard
(Panthera pardus fusca)
The Indian Leopard is elusive but has a strong presence in Tadoba. Unlike tigers, leopards avoid open confrontations and prefer denser patches of forest or rocky outcrops. Their adaptability makes them successful hunters, often carrying kills up trees to protect them from tigers or wild dogs. You can also read about the Big Five of India to see how leopards feature among the country’s most iconic animals.
Indian Gaur / Bison
(Bos gaurus)
The gaur, often called the Indian bison, is the largest bovine in the world and a true symbol of strength. Massive yet calm when undisturbed, gaur move in herds and are often seen grazing in open meadows. Tigers in Tadoba are known to occasionally target young or weak gaur, making their interactions a thrilling aspect of the ecosystem.
Sloth Bear
(Melursus ursinus)
The shaggy-coated Sloth Bear is another key member of Tadoba’s Big Five. Nocturnal by nature, these bears love feasting on termites and fruits. They are known for their powerful sense of smell and unique habit of carrying cubs on their backs. Tadoba offers some of the best chances in India to spot this rare species.
Indian Wild Dog / Dhole
(Cuon alpinus)
The dhole, or Indian wild dog, is one of the most fascinating predators of Tadoba. These pack hunters work as a team to chase down prey, often targeting deer and wild boar. Their whistling communication and cooperative hunting style make them stand out among carnivores.
Our Recommended Tadoba Big Five Safari Tours
Current Population Status of Tadoba’s Big Five (2025)
| Animal | Estimated Population (2025) |
|---|---|
| Tiger | About 100 (core and buffer; nearly 100 as of 2024) |
| Leopard | 144 adults (2024 count; population has grown by 60% in five years) |
| Sloth Bear | 22 sighted in recent census, but true population is likely higher; regularly sighted and recognized as a key species |
| Wild Dog (Dhole) | Population not exactly quantified; "sizable number," regularly sighted, stable but likely lower than leopards or tigers |
| Gaur (Indian Bison) | Stable, “healthy population”; ~325 counted in recent reports, though figure can fluctuate |
Best Time to Spot the Big Five in Tadoba
Tadoba is open for safaris from October to June, but the best time to spot the Big Five is from March to June. During these hotter months, animals often gather around waterholes, making sightings of tigers, leopards, and sloth bears more frequent. Winter months (November to February) are cooler and more comfortable for visitors, with lush greenery and good chances of spotting gaur and wild dogs. The park remains closed in the monsoon season (July to September).
The Big Five of Tadoba offer a complete safari experience. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a tiger, the surprise of seeing a sloth bear, or watching a herd of gaur, Tadoba is one of the finest places in India to experience wildlife at its best.
