OT Staff & Waquar Habib
An endangered primate found only in the Western Ghats, this sleek, silver-maned macaque lives high in Silent Valley’s evergreen canopy. Rarely seen on the ground, it’s a gem for wildlife watchers.
Long-tailed, black furred primates, the Nilgiri Langur inhabits the mid-elevation forests of Silent Valley. They move in troops through tall trees, feeding on fruits, leaves and rarely descending to lower undergrowth.
A rare mountain goat-antelope endemic to the Nilgiri Hills, the Nilgiri Tahr appears on scrubby slopes and rocky cliffs. Excellent habitat in Silent Valley’s ridges makes sightings possible for those seeking elusive species.
With its bushy tail and vibrant orange-brown coat, the Malabar Giant Squirrel is a large, arboreal mammal moving through the tall trees of Silent Valley. It’s more often heard than seen.
India’s largest cat, the tiger, roams parts of Silent Valley, though sightings are rare. Dense forest and terrain give it cover. Its presence demonstrates the park’s health as a major predator refuge.
Leopards are more adaptable and more likely to be seen than tigers. Silent Valley’s forested valleys and ridges provide excellent stalking terrain; they often hunt at dawn or dusk.
A nocturnal, solitary mammal, the sloth bear feeds largely on insects, honey and fruit. In Silent Valley it lives in denser forest zones, often avoiding human contact.
The gaur, or Indian bison, is a massive bovine with robust build and curved horns, found grazing forest edges and meadows. Less visible but integral to Silent Valley’s herbivore community.
A shy nocturnal mammal covered in protective scales, pangolins are among the rare, elusive animals in Silent Valley. They forage at night for ants and termites, often hidden by dense leaf litter.
An amphibian endemic to this region, this toad lives near fast-flowing streams above 1,000 metres. Its striking orange throat and red back are rare sights for visitors seeking unusual forest life.