India is a country that is known for its incredible colors, spices and culture, but did you know it’s also home to hordes of exotic animals? Some of these animals are never seen on other continents (outside of zoos) and some are even threatened by extinction. Find out more about the Animals of India!
Elephant
Elephants are probably one of the most recognizable animals in the world, but in India they are especially loved and revered – it’s common in India for people to bathe and decorate them with special vegetable paints. The type of elephant found in India is the Asian Elephant and it is considered endangered. It has smaller ears and a bigger body than African elephants.
In India elephants are decorated
Chinkara
Chinkara are also known as Indian gazelles, and tend to live in arid plains, hills, deserts, and light forests. These gentle creatures are shy and avoid humans whenever possible, but if you do happen to catch sight of one you’ll notice that it has a reddish brown coat and white fur on it’s belly. Chinakra are known for their incredible jumping abilities!
Chinkara like a dry climate
Royal Bengal Tiger
No matter whether you’ve seen one or not, you’re definitely familiar with tigers. India is one of the many countries they call home, and this majestic big cat is seriously endangered – it’s illegal to hunt them. They are national animal of India and Bangladesh.
Royal Bengal Tigers are endangered
Langur
Langurs are one of the many types of primates that inhabit India, and these adorable scoundrels can be seen daily in the streets of many major cities. You can tell them apart from monkeys and other primates by their small black faces and white or beige fur.
Langurs hang out in major Indian cities
Leopard
With those spots there’s no mistaking a leopard for any of the other “big cats” in India, leopards are known for their adaptability – they can live in any terrain or climate. They are smaller than most big cats, but that doesn’t make them any less adept at being predators. Despite this, they too are often hunted for their amazing coats.
Leopards are one of the 5 big cats in India
Pangolin
Pangolin are also known as “scaly anteaters” and their name actually comes from a Malay word that means “something that rolls up” cause guess what? That’s just what they like to do! The pangolin’s scales look like an artichoke or pine cone and these sneaky creatures are nocturnal – meaning they like to come out at night.
Pangolin (Scaly Anteaters) have scales like a pinecone
Have Your Say
Have you seen any of these animals? Let us know in the comments section below.
