These exotic wildlife species can be found only in India

India is home to many wildlife sanctuaries, and features varied landscapes like deserts, coasts, wetlands, and forests, which provide shelter to around 8% of the world’s species.

While there are majestic elephants and elusive cats that serve as the postcards of India’s wildlife, there are a number of species that are found only in India.

If you want to know more about these exotic species that are found only in India, read on.

The one-horned rhinoceros can be found particularly in Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Uttar Pradesh. It is one endangered animal that every wildlife enthusiast would love to watch in the wild.

If reports are to go by, there are only 150 great Indian bustards in the world now. Known for being one of the heaviest flying birds that prefers dry grasslands, hunting of the species has brought it to the brink of extinction.

Also, since the bustard has poor eyesight, collisions with electric poles, windmills, and power lines, have also contributed to their dwindling number. Now, your best chance of spotting them is at the Desert National Park near Jaisalmer.

The Western Ghats are home to this elusive goat and once upon a time, they were everywhere in the region. Now, they can be spotted only in the Anamalai Hills, Nilgiri Hills, and other southern parts of the Western Ghats. If you are really keen to spot one, drive to the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to a wide variety of species, and feature fragile ecosystems. Only 36 of these islands are inhabited out of the 572 islands, while Nicobar is out of bounds for visitors. However, wildlife lovers can always visit the Andamans, and explore Mount Harriet National Park to check out the cobra species, which is part of this diverse ecosphere. As per the reports, out of the 76 reptile species that are found on these islands, 24 are endemic.

Barasingha can be spotted in the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. As per the reports, the animal almost went extinct in the 1960s; however, its population has witnessed growth after consistent effort. Now, as per the records, there are now around 800 of them in the park. Further, you can also see them in Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

If you ever happen to visit Gir sanctuary in Gujarat, you will get to see this majestic species, the world’s second largest cat species, and can be found only in India. For sure shot spotting, embark on a jungle safari in this national park, and make sure you keep your cameras ready.

Snow Leopard, with its smoky grey skin, is one of the most exotic species that can be seen in the Himalayan regions of India. It’s not difficult to recognise this animal as it features an attractive long tail. If you are intrigued, these can be spotted at Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh and Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand.