The diverse flora and fauna of India aptly provides shelter to numerous wild animals. In fact more than 20% of Indian land is covered by forests. As a result the wild animals can easily thrive in the dense woods. While the charm of the Royal Bengal tigers and Cobras are unbeatable, there are several common wild animals in India that have become major attractions for tourists. Since ancient times Indian culture has always promoted a peaceful existence of man and animals; and even today a number measures are taken from time to time to ensure that the wild animals in India are safe from several threats, including, those of the poachers.
The wild animals in India comprise of tigers, Asiatic lions, black bears, black bucks, leopards, deer, foxes, rhinoceroses, wild elephants, Indian white-rumped vulture, cobra, red panda, cheetah, python, monitor lizard, the great Indian rhino, Indian crocodile, Indian wolf, Bengal fox, golden jackal, striped hyena, macaques, mongoose and several other wildlife species. Besides these Indian is also home to several endangered species. Jenkin`s Shrew, Malabar Large-spotted Civet, Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Pygmy Hog, Salim Ali`s Fruit Bat, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Wroughton`s Free-tailed Bat, desert cat, Asiatic lion, Nilgiri leaf monkey, Indian rhinoceros, red panda, tiger, common otter, Asiatic wild dog and several other wild animals are rated either as critically endangered or endangered.
In order to protect the wild animals in India the Government has undertaken several programmes to augment their population through breeding and thereby preserve them. A number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks have been built throughout the subcontinent. Besides the government individuals like Valmik Thapar, Billy Arjan Singh and others have consistently contributed in bettering the environment; so that the wild animals can exist in their habitats. Sanctuaries like Gir Forest (Gujarat), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal), Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Simlipal tiger Reserve (Orissa) and others have been established to provide protection to the Indian wildlife.
The Indian terrain is exactly what the Indian wild animals require to thrive. However a little bit of awareness on the part of the humans will make their survival easier and will protect the endangered species as well.
