In many of the larger zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, they have an animal that is popular worldwide that is worth seeing. Are there any that one absolutely has to see while in India?
I was curious about the same thing. I also am interested in view the wildlife from a way different for a USA zoo. I want to be in a cage and drive through the homes of the animals or anyway to see them in the natural environment. The zoos at home gorillas are grouped unlike their natural habits and the diets they ingest aren't anything like in the wild. I don't want to same ole' song and dance.
Hello, @Mindy! There are many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. There are about 106 national parks and 383 wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It also has 43 conservation reserves and 4 community reserves. Project Tiger handles about 28 tiger reserves in India as well. Depending on what species of animal you might want to see, there's a specific national park or reserve for you. However, most parks and sanctuaries have a wide diversity of animals in it. The most famous animals in India are: 1. Bengal Tiger - This is the national animal of India. As of latest statistics, about 2,800 Bengal tigers are in India. Other countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have quite a number of Bengal tigers as well. Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand are some of the states where you can find them. The tigers are at the top of the food chain. With their numbers increasing steadily in the last few years, they help maintain the biodiversity of our forests. With just one tiger, we can protect a huge area of the forests as well. And of course, this in turn provides us with fresh water and food. Some of the best parks to see Bengal tigers are: Jim Corbett National Park (About 160 Bengal tigers reside here) Bandhavgarh National Park Ranthambore National Park 2. One Horned Rhinoceros - Also known by the name Indian Rhinoceros, this type of rhino is native to India. As of latest statistics, about 3,555 Indian Rhinos are estimated living in the wild. They usually weigh between 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. They can be found in the lower regions of the Himalayas, also in Assam and North Bengal. Where rhinos are, there's usually a rich diversity of plants and animals. It's such a shame that poaching and habitat destruction of these creatures lead to their deaths. Some of the best parks to see them are: Kaziranga National Park Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 3. Asiatic Lion - They are also known by the name Persian lion. Right now, their population is only at 523. To distinguish them from African lions, there's a longitudinal fold of skin running through the bellies of Asiatic lions. Male Asiatic lions have moderate mane growth in the heads. You can only see them in: Gir National Park 4. Asian Elephant - Also known by the name Indian Elephant. Right now, their number is around 26,000 and you can find them widespread in India. Asian elephants eat about 16 hours per day and need 100 litres of water per day. Their large diet has a huge impact on vegetation of trees and grasses. You can see them in: Bandipur National Park Nagarhole National Park 5. Indian Leopard - Also known by the name Common Leopard. As of latest statistics, there are 11,000 leopards living in the wild. This is the smallest of the big cats and sometimes characterised by melanism, which people mistake for jaguars or black panthers. Some parks you can see them are: Kambeshwar Ji Leopard Sanctuary Kaziranga National Park 6. Snow Leopard - Their population is estimated to be between 4,000 to 7,000 in the wild. They hunt sheep and goats but they also eat rodents and hares. Climate change and human poaching are the reasons why their numbers are dwindling. The Snow leopard is important in controlling the population and health of wild in the colder regions on Earth. You can spot them in: Hemis National Park (If you're lucky, they are very shy and elusive.) I hope this helps!
