15 Wildlife Species You Can Find Only in India

Wildlife is an important factor that determines the real wealth of a nation as mentioned by the renowned author and conservationist Rachel Carson. India is a country of diversity and is blessed with some rare species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Let us have a look at those 15 wildlife species found only in India.

Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica)

Found in Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat, Asiatic Lions belong to the pantherine cat family. The Asiatic lion differs from the African lion in the larger tail tuft, fold of the skin on the abdomen, and thinner curls on the head. According to the latest population estimation,  674 Asiatic Lions exist in Gir National Park.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is the largest bird species mostly found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Open grasslands serve as their habitat. However, due to its poor eyesight, the GIB population is very low up to 150 due to hunting and as a result of collisions with power transmission lines. Also, solar plants and windmills have resulted in habitat loss.

Found only in Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sangai Deers are also called dancing deers as they jump through their floating grassland habitat (phumdi). The swampy phumdis in the national park are suitable habitats for sangai. The population of Sangai Deers is 260 today.

Belonging to the Monkey family, this unique monkey with a black face, white mane, and lion-like tail is an entertaining animal to watch. Lion Tailed Macaque is found on tree-canopies in the western ghats of Southern India such as Kerala and Karnataka. These are endangered species and are not friendly to humans.

This ungulate, the hooved animal is found in the ghats of Tamilnadu and Kerala. They closely resemble sheep. They have skinny bodies with sturdy hooves and horns pointing backward make them India’s exceptional mountaineers. With aging, their saddle patch changes colors with a life expectancy of only three years.

The subspecies of red deer also called Hangul, the Kashmir Stags are mainly spotted in Dachigam National Park in Kashmir. This brown-coated deer has a light ramp patch without a tail. You can also find them in the northern Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Today their population is close to 150.

This rarest elusive mammal found in the western ghats of Kerala is a nocturnal animal. However, it is now getting towards extinction due to deforestation and hunting. Also, its Civetone extract from the scent gland is used in medicine and perfumes which is also contributing to its decreasing numbers. 

The world’s smallest and rarest wild pigs are found in Manas National Park of Assam. Their population is less than 250. Thriving in wet grassland, this mammal is from very few ones who build their own home complete with a roof. From near-extinction to conservation of the Pygmy hog, it is expected to get 60 pygmy hogs in Manas by 2025. 

This beautiful songbird has bright blue plumage, white belly feathers, and a black tail with an orange tip. It thrives in the hills of Southern India. They are also known as Nilgir Sholakilis as found in Shola forests of western ghats. They are nearing extinction due to deforestation and hunting.

Ganges River Dolphin is a National Aquatic Animal of India. With a population of 3750 today, they are also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar.

Thus, although facing the survival threats by deforestation and hunting, conservation efforts are being made to sustain these rare species in India to maintain the national wealth.

Andaman Wild Boar (Sus scrofa andamanensis)

A unique subspecies found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Andaman Wild Boar is an endemic pig species. Recognized for its dark coat and sturdy build, it thrives in the dense forests of the islands. Unlike its mainland relatives, this wild boar has adapted to island life, relying on roots, fruits, and small invertebrates for survival. Habitat loss and hunting have impacted its numbers, making conservation efforts crucial.

Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)

A bizarre amphibian that looks like it belongs to another era, the Purple Frog is found in the Western Ghats. Spending most of its life underground, it surfaces only for a few days during the monsoon to breed. Its bloated body, small head, and pointed snout make it distinct from typical frogs. The species has survived for millions of years but faces threats from habitat destruction.

Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis)

This fascinating bird, native to the Nicobar Islands, is known for its mound-building nesting habits. Instead of incubating its eggs with body heat, it buries them under sand or decomposing vegetation, relying on warmth from the sun or microbial activity. Sadly, habitat destruction and human disturbances are pushing this species toward decline.

Indian Golden Gecko (Calodactylodes aureus)

A nocturnal reptile that prefers the rocky cliffs and forests of the Eastern Ghats, the Indian Golden Gecko gets its name from its shimmering yellow-golden skin. It remains elusive, often spotted only in select areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Although once thought to be extremely rare, conservation efforts have helped scientists document more of its population in recent years.

Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti)

Believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1997, the Forest Owlet is an incredibly rare bird found in the forests of central India. Unlike other owls, it is active during the day and prefers dense deciduous forests. With only a few hundred individuals left, deforestation and habitat fragmentation remain major threats.