Top Endangered Wildlife You Can See in Indian National Parks

OT Staff

Bengal Tiger – Panthera tigris

India’s national symbol, the Bengal tiger is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Parks like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh offer some of the best opportunities to spot these majestic big cats.

Wild Bengal Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park | PHOTOCECH

Indian Elephant – Elephas maximus indicus

Endangered from fragmentation and conflict with human settlements, the Indian elephant roams reserves such as Periyar and Kaziranga. Herd sightings amid grasslands and forests are unforgettable.

An Indian elephant (representational image) | Unsplash

One-Horned Rhinoceros – Rhinoceros unicornis

Once near extinction, this rhino thrives in Kaziranga National Park’s floodplains and grasslands. Conservation success means higher sightings, though the species remains endangered.

Winter photography at Kaziranga National Park | nhm_wpy/instagram

Asiatic Lion – Panthera leo persica

Found only in Gir National Park, the Asiatic lion’s limited range makes it endangered. Visitors often see prides lounging in open dry forests under Gujarat’s bright skies.

An Asiatic lion roams around in the wild | Shutterstock

Snow Leopard – Panthera uncia

A ghost of the high Himalayas, the snow leopard is critically endangered from conflict and habitat decline. Hemis National Park in Ladakh offers the rare chance to glimpse this elusive cat.

A snow leopard rests against a mountain landscape | Shutterstock

Gharyal – Gavialis gangeticus

With a long, narrow snout and riverine lifestyle, the gharyal is endangered due to habitat degradation. Protected areas like National Chambal Sanctuary provide a sanctuary for these rare crocodilians.

Indian gharyal | Shutterstock.com

Lion-Tailed Macaque – Macaca silenus

Restricted to the Western Ghats’ evergreen forests, this primate faces habitat loss and fragmentation. Silent troops can be seen in forests of Silent Valley and Bandipur.

Lion Tailed Macaque from the Silent Valley National Park | Shutterstock

Great Indian Bustard – Ardeotis nigriceps

Critically endangered due to hunting and habitat fragmentation, this iconic grassland bird remains rare. Desert National Park in Rajasthan offers one of the best chances to observe it.

A Great Indian Bustard in the landscape of Rajasthan | Shutterstock

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