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The thick forests of India host some of the most exotic and rare wildlife species in the world. Here are seven of the most amazing ones. Know all about the rare species, interesting facts about them and where they can be found.

India is a peerless abode of wonderful and exotic animals. The country harbours a charismatic mixture of wildlife species. There are more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 100 national parks which give shelter to an enormous number of endangered and wild animals. The country is blessed with diverse and unique creatures although, due to harsh human interference, many of the animals are on the verge of extinction. Not only does man’s actions determine the fate of these animals, but climate change plays a major role in the decline of their existence as well.

The lush green jungles of India harbour many types of species. Below is the list of seven most endangered species that you should see in India before they disappear:

1. Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, alias Indian Rhinoceros, are listed as one of the vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The animal can be found in India and Nepal, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas. Poaching of horns is an important reason for the decline in the number of the Indian Rhinoceros. There has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros since 1975, but there is a consistent threat due to an increase in hunting cases. With at least half of the total population, India’s Kaziranga National Park remains the key reserve for this species. More efforts should be undertaken for the conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.

Places where Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros can be spotted:

Kaziranga National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Do You Know?

The white rhino is the largest rhino species and the largest land mammal after the elephant.

During the Mughal Era, the rulers used to use Greater One-horned Rhino in fights against elephants as entertainment. The rhinos would often win. Thankfully, this sport is no longer practiced or permitted.

2. Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri tahr is a threatened mountain ungulate clinging on to the tropical rainforest of the Western Ghats. The endangered species have a stocky coat with a bristly mane, curved horns, and coarse and short fur. Considered as the state animal of Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Tahr is facing a major threat in the Western Ghats. Thanks to continuous poaching activities and Eucalyptus cultivation hampering its habitat, the Nilgiri Tahr population is continuously decreasing.

Places where Nilgiri tahr can be spotted:

Eravikulam National Park, Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Palni Hills

Do You Know?

As per the current survey, there is a total population of 3,000 Nilgiti Tahr in India, inclusive of smaller species which haven’t been documented in the past.

3. Bengal Tigers

Considered as the national animal of two major countries – India and Bangladesh, the Bengal tiger is justifiably referred to as the ‘Big Cat.’ Around 70% of the world’s wild tigers live in India. Tigers are fast vanishing due to human interference and poaching cases. The natural habitat of tigers in India – tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, thorn forests and grass jungles – has almost disappeared outside the reserves. Altogether, there are 48 tiger reserves in India. But one place that has captured the fancy of major wildlife aficionados is the Jim Corbett National Park. There are currently 2,226 tigers left in India.

Places where Royal Bengal Tigers can be spotted:

Tadoba National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Jim Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park

Do You Know?

A tiger roar can be heard more than a mile away

4. Asiatic Lion

Gujarat in India is home to a large population of Asiatic lion aka the Indian lion or Persian lion. The King of the Jungle reigns supreme in India. As per the facts presented by WWF, the Asiatic lion can be only found in India. The 1,400 sq km Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the last royal refuge of the Asiatic lion. Only 200 or so Asiatic lions exist in the wild.

Places where Asiatic Lion can be spotted:

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Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat

Do you Know?

The Asiatic lions are renowned as the second largest feline species in the world, after the tigers.

5. Black Buck

Blackbucks, the Indian antelopes, are found in abundance in the plains, grasslands and scrubs of India. Activities like hunting, poaching, habitat destruction, overgrazing and inbreeding has led to a drastic downward fluctuation in the blackbuck population. Another reason why the blackbuck population is immensely decreasing is the large-scale conversion of their habitats into agriculture fields and poaching. Other than India, Blackbuck can be found in Nepal and Pakistan.

Places where Black Buck can be spotted:

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Corbett National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Gir National Park and Guindy National Park.

Do You Know?

The Black Buck is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.

6. Lion Tailed Macaque

Running along the west coast of India, the mountains of Western Ghats are home to a rare species, Lion Tailed Macaque. The Lion Tailed Macaque can be found in the tiny, isolated pockets of the tropical forest in the Western Ghats. With only 2,900 species in zoo and wildlife reserves, the Lion Tailed Macaque is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The silent feature of the macaque and its appearance are its outstanding characteristics. The Lion Tailed Macaque is an old world monkey and is one of the 16 macaque species.

Places where Lion Tailed Macaque can be spotted:

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, Papanasam part of the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and Sirsi-Honnavara rainforests of North-Western Ghats in Karnataka.

Do You Know?

The Lion-tailed Macaque is so well adapted to its forest home that it simply cannot adjust to the new habitats being created by human intrusion.

7. Snow Leopard

Profoundly found in the steep and rocky region of the Himalayas, the snow leopard is the descendant of the wild cat and panther families. Snow leopards have thick, long fur, and their skin color varies from yellowing tan to smoky gray. The Snow leopard can be easily identified by its tail as it is 80-105 cm long. There are 6,000 snow leopards in the world, but its population is gradually declining. With the loss of habitat and widespread hunting, there has been a 20% reduction in snow leopard population over the past 20 years. In addition, snow leopards are illegally hunted in the fur trade for making luxury coats and their bones are sought after for traditional Asian medicine.

Places where Snow Leopard can be spotted:

Hemis National Park, Ladakh; Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand; Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh; Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh; Pin Valley National Park, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh; Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

Do You Know?

Unlike other big cats – like lions and tigers – snow leopards can’t roar.

Snow leopard cubs are born blind. They don’t gain sight until they are seven days old.

Mentioned above are some of the most incredible animals that we might never see again until and unless some serious action takes place. These seven species are vital for the maintenance of the ecological balance, as they play a key role in the food cycle. Extinction of these species will ultimately cause a big loss for humans. So let’s act before it’s too late!

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About the author: Anjali Wadhwa is a wildlife aficionado, wanderer, devourer of books, daydreamer and traveler who want to explore the unified jungles of India. You will see her amazing command over flora and fauna through her blogs and articles. Follow her on Anjali Wadhwa is a wildlife aficionado, wanderer, devourer of books, daydreamer and traveler who want to explore the unified jungles of India. You will see her amazing command over flora and fauna through her blogs and articles. Follow her on Google Plus to discover more about wildlife in India.