Vegetation & Wildlife of India

India's Biodiversity: A Global Treasure

"जीव जगत की विविधता — एक अनमोल धरोहर"

Mega-Diverse Country

India is one of 17 "megadiverse" countries, containing 60-70% of world's biodiversity. Home to 4 of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots. Ranked 8th in the world for species richness.

Wildlife Heritage

India hosts 75% of world's tigers, 60% of Asian elephants, the ONLY Asiatic lions, and unique one-horned rhinoceros. Home to the largest wild population of Bengal Tigers.

Forest Diversity

From tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, from mangroves to thorn forests — India has 16 major forest types spanning every climate zone across 7,28,600 sq km.

Official Government Data Sources

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change National Tiger Conservation Authority Wildlife Institute of India Forest Survey of India Zoological Survey of India Botanical Survey of India Project Tiger ENVIS Portal

India's Biodiversity at a Glance (2024 Data)

47,513

Plant Species (11.5% of world)

1,04,561

Fauna Species (7.5% of world)

1,353

Bird Species (13% of world)

442

Mammal Species (8.9% of world)

3,682

Wild Tigers (75% of world)

30,000+

Asian Elephants (60% of world)

Interactive Map: All 106 National Parks of India

Click on any marker to view detailed information about the national park

National Parks (106 total)

Tiger Reserves (54 total)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Biodiversity Hotspots

Forest Types of India

Champion & Seth Classification: 16 Major Types, 221 Sub-Types

India's Forest Cover (India State of Forest Report 2023)

Total Forest Cover: 7,28,600 km² (22.15% of total geographical area)

99,779 km²

Very Dense Forest (3.04%)

3,08,472 km²

Moderately Dense (9.39%)

3,20,349 km²

Open Forest (9.75%)

+1,540 km²

Increase from 2021

Source: Forest Survey of India - ISFR 2023

Tropical Evergreen Forests

उष्णकटिबंधीय सदाबहार वन

Rainfall: >200 cm | Temp: 25-27°C

Distribution

Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
West Bengal (Darjeeling) foothills

Key Features

Height: 45-60 meters (multi-layered canopy)
No distinct seasons — green throughout year
Dense canopy — limited sunlight on floor
Epiphytes & lianas abundant

Important Trees

Mahogany, Ebony, Rosewood (Dalbergia)
Ironwood, Gurjan, Chaplas
Rubber, Cinchona, Coconut Palm

Key Wildlife

Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur
Great Hornbill, Malabar Trogon
King Cobra, Flying Lizard

Tropical Deciduous Forests

उष्णकटिबंधीय पर्णपाती वन

Most Extensive — 65% of forest area

Distribution

Throughout peninsular India
Himalayan foothills (Shiwalik range)
Central India (MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand)
Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh

Two Sub-Types

Moist Deciduous: 100-200 cm rainfall (Western Ghats, NE slopes, Eastern India)
Dry Deciduous: 70-100 cm rainfall (Central, Western India)

Important Trees

Teak (Sagwan) — most valuable timber (MP, Maharashtra)
Sal (Shorea robusta) — UP, Bihar, Jharkhand
Bamboo, Sandalwood, Shisham, Khair
Tendu, Mahua, Palash (Flame of Forest)

Key Wildlife

Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Elephant, Gaur
Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar
Various hornbills, woodpeckers

Economic Value

Teak — Premium furniture wood
Sal — Railway sleepers, construction
Tendu leaves — Beedi industry

Tropical Thorn Forests

उष्णकटिबंधीय कंटीले वन

Rainfall: <50 cm | Semi-Arid

Distribution

Rajasthan (major region)
Gujarat (Kutch, Saurashtra)
Punjab, Haryana (southwestern parts)
Rain shadow areas of Deccan

Key Features

Thorny, stunted trees (under 10m)
Scattered, open canopy
Xerophytic adaptations (thick bark, waxy leaves)
Deep root systems

Important Trees

Babul (Acacia), Kikar, Khejri (State tree of Rajasthan)
Palas, Ber, Cacti species
Date Palm, Wild Palm

Key Wildlife

Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Blackbuck
Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered)
Desert Fox, Spiny-tailed Lizard

Montane Forests

पर्वतीय वन

Altitude: 1000-3500m

Distribution

Himalayas (J&K to Arunachal Pradesh)
Western Ghats (Nilgiris, Anaimalai)
Eastern Ghats (high elevations)

Altitudinal Zones

1000-2000m: Wet temperate (Oak, Chestnut, Magnolia)
2000-3000m: Coniferous (Deodar, Pine, Spruce, Fir)
3000-4000m: Alpine/Subalpine (Juniper, Birch, Rhododendron)
>4000m: Alpine meadows (Bugyals)

Important Trees

Deodar (State tree of HP — "Wood of Gods")
Blue Pine, Chir Pine, Silver Fir
Rhododendron (State tree of Uttarakhand)
Oak, Walnut, Horse Chestnut

Key Wildlife

Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear
Musk Deer, Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
Himalayan Monal (State bird of Uttarakhand)
Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr

Mangrove Forests

ज्वारीय वन / मैंग्रोव

4,992 km² | Coastal Wetlands

Distribution

Sundarbans (W. Bengal) — LARGEST mangrove in world (4,200 km²)
Bhitarkanika (Odisha) — 2nd largest
Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambhat (Gujarat)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu)

Key Features

Salt-tolerant (halophytic) species
Pneumatophores (breathing roots)
Viviparous seeds (germinate on tree)
Stilt/prop roots for stability

Important Species

Sundari (gives name to Sundarbans)
Rhizophora, Avicennia, Bruguiera
Ceriops, Sonneratia

Key Wildlife

Royal Bengal Tiger (swimming tigers!)
Saltwater Crocodile (largest reptile)
Gangetic Dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle
Fishing Cat, Water Monitor

Ecological Value

Coastal protection from cyclones, tsunamis
Fish breeding ground
Carbon sequestration (blue carbon)

Alpine Meadows (Bugyals)

उच्च पर्वतीय घास के मैदान

Altitude: 3500-5000m

Distribution

Greater Himalayas (above tree line)
Uttarakhand: Dayara, Bedni, Auli bugyals
Himachal: Rohtang, Khajjiar
J&K: Gulmarg, Sonamarg meadows

Key Features

Above tree line (no trees can grow)
Short growing season (3-4 months)
Carpet of flowers in summer
Snow-covered in winter

Important Flora

Alpine grasses, sedges
Brahma Kamal (State flower of Uttarakhand)
Blue Poppy, Edelweiss
Rhododendrons (40+ species)

Key Wildlife

Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep (Bharal)
Himalayan Marmot, Pika
Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
Golden Eagle, Tibetan Snowcock

Valley of Flowers

UNESCO World Heritage Site (Uttarakhand)
600+ flowering plant species
Blooms: July-September

Iconic Wildlife of India

भारत के प्रतिष्ठित वन्यजीव — The Big Five and Beyond

Bengal Tiger

Panthera tigris tigris

ENDANGERED (IUCN)

Population: 3,682 (All India Tiger Estimation 2024) — 75% of world's wild tigers

Habitat: 54 Tiger Reserves across 18 states

Best Reserves: Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Sundarbans, Bandhavgarh, Kanha

Status: National Animal of India

Conservation: Project Tiger (1973) — World's largest tiger conservation program

Asiatic Lion

Panthera leo persica

ENDANGERED (IUCN)

Population: 674 (2020 Census) — ONLY wild population in the world

Habitat: Gir Forest, Gujarat (single location globally)

Range: ~30,000 km² in Greater Gir region

Unique: Last wild Asiatic lions outside Africa

Recovery: From 20 lions (1913) to 674 — Conservation triumph

Asian Elephant

Elephas maximus

ENDANGERED (IUCN)

Population: 29,964 (Elephant Census 2017) — 60% of world's Asian elephants

Habitat: 32 Elephant Reserves across 16 states

Major States: Karnataka (6,049), Kerala (5,706), Assam (5,719)

Status: National Heritage Animal of India

Conservation: Project Elephant (1992)

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros unicornis

VULNERABLE (IUCN)

Population: 3,588 (2023) — 82% of world population in India

Habitat: Kaziranga (Assam), Dudhwa (UP), Jaldapara (WB), Orang (Assam)

Unique: Single horn, armor-like folded skin

Success: From 200 (1905) to 3,500+ — Conservation triumph

Program: Indian Rhino Vision 2020

Indian Leopard

Panthera pardus fusca

VULNERABLE (IUCN)

Population: 13,874 (Status of Leopards in India 2022)

Habitat: Most adaptable big cat — forests, hills, near human settlements

States: MP (3,907), Karnataka (1,879), Maharashtra (1,985)

Unique: Can survive near human habitation

Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia

VULNERABLE (IUCN)

Population: 718 (Snow Leopard Population Assessment 2024)

Habitat: Trans-Himalaya (Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal)

Altitude: 3,000-5,500 meters

Title: "Ghost of the Mountains"

Program: Project Snow Leopard (2009)

Gangetic River Dolphin

Platanista gangetica

ENDANGERED (IUCN)

Population: ~3,500-4,000

Habitat: Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system

Unique: Functionally blind (echolocation), only freshwater dolphin in India

Status: National Aquatic Animal of India

Vikramshila Sanctuary: Only dedicated dolphin sanctuary

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus

LEAST CONCERN (IUCN)

Status: National Bird of India

Habitat: Throughout India (except extreme NE)

Unique: Male's magnificent 200+ feather "train"

Cultural: Sacred in Hinduism, vehicle of Lord Kartikeya

Protection: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Other Remarkable Species

Deer & Antelope

Sambar, Chital (Spotted Deer), Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Sangai (Dancing Deer of Manipur), Blackbuck, Chinkara, Nilgai, Four-horned Antelope

Bears

Sloth Bear (140-180 kg), Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear (rarest in India, ~500 individuals)

Primates

Rhesus Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Lion-tailed Macaque (endemic), Nilgiri Langur, Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon (only ape in India)

Reptiles

Gharial (Critically Endangered, ~650), Saltwater Crocodile, Mugger, King Cobra, Indian Python, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise

Raptors

Indian Vulture (Critically Endangered), White-rumped Vulture, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle

Birds

Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered, ~150), Sarus Crane (tallest flying bird), Hornbills (9 species), Himalayan Monal

All 106 National Parks of India

Complete Encyclopedia: Name, Year Established, State, Area, and Key Endangered Species

Official Source: Wildlife Institute of India ENVIS

S.No	National Park	State	Year Est.	Area (km²)	Key Endangered/Notable Species
1	Sri Venkateswara National Park	Andhra Pradesh	1989	353	Slender Loris, Yellow-throated Bulbul, Indian Giant Squirrel
2	Papikonda National Park	Andhra Pradesh	2008	1012.86	Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Leopard, Mouse Deer
3	Namdapha National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1983	1985.23	Namdapha Flying Squirrel (endemic), Hoolock Gibbon, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard
4	Mouling National Park	Arunachal Pradesh	1986	483	Takin, Red Panda, Mishmi Takin, Musk Deer
5	Kaziranga National Park	Assam	1974	858.98	Indian Rhinoceros (2,613), Bengal Tiger, Wild Water Buffalo, Hoolock Gibbon
6	Manas National Park	Assam	1990	500	Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur
7	Nameri National Park	Assam	1998	200	White-winged Wood Duck, Bengal Tiger, Elephant
8	Orang National Park	Assam	1999	78.81	Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Pygmy Hog
9	Dibru-Saikhowa National Park	Assam	1999	340	White-winged Wood Duck, Feral Horses, Hoolock Gibbon
10	Raimona National Park	Assam	2021	422	Golden Langur, Elephant, Bengal Tiger
11	Dihing Patkai National Park	Assam	2021	234.26	Hoolock Gibbon, Slow Loris, Clouded Leopard
12	Valmiki National Park	Bihar	1989	335.65	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear
13	Indravati National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	1258.37	Wild Buffalo (only population in MP-CG), Bengal Tiger, Leopard
14	Kanger Ghati National Park	Chhattisgarh	1982	200	Bastar Hill Myna, Mouse Deer, Flying Squirrel
15	Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	Chhattisgarh	1981	1440.71	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Chinkara
16	Mollem National Park	Goa	1978	107	Black Panther, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Bison
17	Gir National Park	Gujarat	1975	258.71	Asiatic Lion (674), Leopard, Chital, Sambar
18	Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar)	Gujarat	1976	34.08	Blackbuck, Indian Wolf, Lesser Florican
19	Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch	Gujarat	1982	162.89	Dugong, Green Sea Turtle, Coral Reef Species
20	Vansda National Park	Gujarat	1979	23.99	Leopard, Flying Squirrel, Indian Giant Squirrel
21	Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	1989	1.43	Migratory Birds (250+ species), Siberian Crane (historical)
22	Kalesar National Park	Haryana	2003	46.82	Elephant, Leopard, Sambar, Barking Deer
23	Great Himalayan National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1984	754.4	Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Western Tragopan, Musk Deer (UNESCO WHS)
24	Pin Valley National Park	Himachal Pradesh	1987	675	Snow Leopard, Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Woolly Hare
25	Khirganga National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	710	Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer
26	Inderkilla National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	104	Western Tragopan, Monal, Serow
27	Simbalbara National Park	Himachal Pradesh	2010	27.88	Chital, Sambar, Red Jungle Fowl
28	Betla National Park	Jharkhand	1986	226.33	Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar
29	Bandipur National Park	Karnataka	1974	874.2	Bengal Tiger (150+), Asian Elephant, Gaur, Wild Dog
30	Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park	Karnataka	1988	643.39	Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Wild Dog, Gaur
31	Bannerghatta National Park	Karnataka	1974	104.27	Asian Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur
32	Anshi National Park	Karnataka	1987	417.37	Bengal Tiger, Black Panther, King Cobra
33	Kudremukh National Park	Karnataka	1987	600.32	Lion-tailed Macaque, Tiger, Malabar Giant Squirrel
34	Periyar National Park	Kerala	1982	350	Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque
35	Silent Valley National Park	Kerala	1984	89.52	Lion-tailed Macaque (largest population), Nilgiri Langur
36	Eravikulam National Park	Kerala	1978	97	Nilgiri Tahr (largest population ~900), Neelakurinji flower
37	Mathikettan Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	12.82	Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Marten
38	Anamudi Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	7.5	Nilgiri Tahr, Elephant, Sambar
39	Pampadum Shola National Park	Kerala	2003	1.32	Nilgiri Marten, White-bellied Shortwing (smallest NP)
40	Kanha National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1955	940	Bengal Tiger (105+), Barasingha (Hard-ground Swamp Deer), Leopard, Wild Dog
41	Bandhavgarh National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1968	448.85	Bengal Tiger (highest density), Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur
42	Satpura National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	524	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Indian Giant Squirrel
43	Pench National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1975	292.85	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Gaur (Jungle Book setting)
44	Panna National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	542.67	Bengal Tiger, Gharial, Sloth Bear, Chinkara
45	Van Vihar National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1979	4.45	White Tiger, Lion, Leopard (Urban sanctuary)
46	Madhav National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1959	375.22	Chinkara, Nilgai, Leopard, Mugger Crocodile
47	Sanjay National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1981	466.88	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Nilgai, Chinkara
48	Fossil National Park	Madhya Pradesh	1983	0.27	Plant Fossils (65 million years old) - Geological heritage
49	Dinosaur National Park (Dhar)	Madhya Pradesh	2011	0.90	Dinosaur Fossils, Eggs - Paleontological heritage
50	Kuno National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2018	748.76	African Cheetah (reintroduced 2022), Leopard, Spotted Deer
51	Omkareshwar National Park	Madhya Pradesh	2004	293.49	Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf
52	Tadoba-Andhari National Park	Maharashtra	1955	625.4	Bengal Tiger (88+), Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog
53	Sanjay Gandhi National Park	Maharashtra	1983	86.96	Leopard, Spotted Deer, Kanheri Caves (Urban park in Mumbai)
54	Navegaon National Park	Maharashtra	1975	133.88	Flying Squirrel, Pangolin, Leopard
55	Pench National Park (Maharashtra)	Maharashtra	1975	257.26	Bengal Tiger, Indian Wild Dog, Gaur
56	Chandoli National Park	Maharashtra	2004	317.67	Bengal Tiger, Giant Squirrel, King Cobra
57	Gugamal National Park	Maharashtra	1975	361.28	Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog
58	Keibul Lamjao National Park	Manipur	1977	40	Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer) ~260 - ONLY habitat in world, Floating grassland
59	Sirohi National Park	Manipur	1982	41.30	Hoolock Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Serow
60	Nokrek National Park	Meghalaya	1986	47.48	Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Citrus indica (wild citrus) - UNESCO Biosphere
61	Balpakram National Park	Meghalaya	1986	220	Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Chinese Pangolin
62	Murlen National Park	Mizoram	1991	100	Hoolock Gibbon, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear
63	Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park	Mizoram	1992	50	Hoolock Gibbon, Leaf Deer, Red Panda (highest peak of Mizoram)
64	Intanki National Park	Nagaland	1993	202.02	Hoolock Gibbon, Slow Loris, Capped Langur
65	Simlipal National Park	Odisha	1980	845.70	Bengal Tiger, Melanistic Tiger (Black Tiger), Elephant, Gaur
66	Bhitarkanika National Park	Odisha	1988	145	Saltwater Crocodile (largest), Olive Ridley Turtle, Water Monitor
67	Ranthambore National Park	Rajasthan	1980	392	Bengal Tiger (80+), Leopard, Sloth Bear, Mugger Crocodile
68	Keoladeo Ghana National Park	Rajasthan	1981	28.73	Siberian Crane (historical), Sarus Crane, 350+ bird species (UNESCO WHS)
69	Sariska National Park	Rajasthan	1982	273.8	Bengal Tiger (reintroduced), Leopard, Caracal
70	Desert National Park	Rajasthan	1980	3162	Great Indian Bustard (~150), Chinkara, Desert Fox (Largest NP)
71	Mukundra Hills National Park	Rajasthan	2006	200.54	Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Chinkara
72	Khangchendzonga National Park	Sikkim	1977	1784	Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer (UNESCO WHS, 3rd highest peak)
73	Mudumalai National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	321	Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Bison, Leopard
74	Guindy National Park	Tamil Nadu	1976	2.82	Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Jackal (smallest urban NP inside city)
75	Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park	Tamil Nadu	1986	6.23	Dugong, Sea Turtle, Dolphins, Coral Reefs (21 islands)
76	Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park	Tamil Nadu	1989	117.10	Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Grizzled Giant Squirrel
77	Mukurthi National Park	Tamil Nadu	1990	78.46	Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Sambar (UNESCO Biosphere)
78	Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park	Telangana	1994	1.42	Small Cats, Mongoose, Pangolin (Urban park in Hyderabad)
79	Mrugavani National Park	Telangana	1994	3.6	Chital, Blackbuck, Sambar (Near Hyderabad)
80	Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park	Telangana	1994	14.59	Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Sambar
81	Clouded Leopard National Park	Tripura	2007	5.08	Clouded Leopard, Phayres Leaf Monkey, Binturong
82	Rajbari National Park	Tripura	2007	31.63	Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur
83	Dudhwa National Park	Uttar Pradesh	1977	490.29	Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros (reintroduced), Swamp Deer, Elephant
84	Jim Corbett National Park	Uttarakhand	1936	520.82	Bengal Tiger (260+), Elephant, Gharial (India's FIRST National Park)
85	Valley of Flowers National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	87.50	600+ flowering plants, Asiatic Black Bear, Snow Leopard (UNESCO WHS)
86	Nanda Devi National Park	Uttarakhand	1982	630.33	Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear (UNESCO WHS)
87	Rajaji National Park	Uttarakhand	1983	820.42	Elephant (1,500+), Bengal Tiger, Leopard, King Cobra
88	Gangotri National Park	Uttarakhand	1989	2390.02	Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Black Bear (Source of Ganga)
89	Govind Pashu Vihar National Park	Uttarakhand	1990	472.08	Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer
90	Sundarbans National Park	West Bengal	1984	1330.10	Royal Bengal Tiger (swimming tigers), Saltwater Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin (UNESCO WHS)
91	Buxa National Park	West Bengal	1992	117.10	Elephant, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Hispid Hare
92	Gorumara National Park	West Bengal	1994	79.45	Indian Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Pygmy Hog
93	Singalila National Park	West Bengal	1986	78.60	Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear
94	Neora Valley National Park	West Bengal	1986	88	Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, Satyr Tragopan
95	Jaldapara National Park	West Bengal	2014	216	Indian Rhinoceros (300+), Elephant, Tiger
96	Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1983	281.50	Dugong, Coral Reefs, Sea Turtle, Dolphins
97	Campbell Bay National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1992	426.23	Nicobar Megapode, Saltwater Crocodile, Crab-eating Macaque
98	Galathea National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1992	110	Leatherback Turtle, Nicobar Megapode, Robber Crab
99	Mount Harriet National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	46.62	Andaman Wild Pig, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Narcondam Hornbill
100	Middle Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.64	Coral Reefs, Marine Biodiversity
101	North Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.44	Coral Reefs, Tropical Fish Species
102	Rani Jhansi Marine National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1996	256.14	Dugong, Sea Turtle, Coral Reefs, Dolphins
103	Saddle Peak National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	32.54	Andaman Wild Pig, Crab-eating Macaque (highest peak of Andaman)
104	South Button Island National Park	Andaman & Nicobar	1987	0.03	Coral Reefs (smallest national park)
105	Dachigam National Park	Jammu & Kashmir	1981	141	Hangul (Kashmir Stag) ~250 - ONLY habitat, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard
106	Hemis National Park	Ladakh	1981	4400	Snow Leopard (200+), Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear (Largest NP in India)

Note: Area and establishment year as per Wildlife Institute of India ENVIS database. Some parks have been upgraded from Wildlife Sanctuaries. Data updated as of 2024.

Official Sources: WII ENVIS | NTCA | MoEFCC

All 54 Tiger Reserves of India

Project Tiger (1973) — World's Largest Tiger Conservation Program

Tiger Population Growth — A Conservation Triumph

1,411

2006 (All-time low)

1,706

2010

2,226

2014

2,967

2018

3,167

2022

3,682

2024 (Current)

Source: National Tiger Conservation Authority — All India Tiger Estimation

S.No	Tiger Reserve	State	Year Est.	Area (km²)	Tiger Population (2022)
1	Jim Corbett	Uttarakhand	1973	1,318	260
2	Manas	Assam	1973	3,150	52
3	Palamau	Jharkhand	1973	1,129	3
4	Simlipal	Odisha	1973	2,750	16
5	Kanha	Madhya Pradesh	1973	2,051	105
6	Ranthambore	Rajasthan	1973	1,411	81
7	Melghat	Maharashtra	1973	2,768	48
8	Bandipur	Karnataka	1973	1,456	150
9	Sundarbans	West Bengal	1973	2,585	100
10	Periyar	Kerala	1978	925	35
11	Sariska	Rajasthan	1978	1,213	25
12	Buxa	West Bengal	1982	757	0
13	Indravati	Chhattisgarh	1982	2,799	5
14	Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam	Andhra Pradesh/Telangana	1982	3,728	93
15	Namdapha	Arunachal Pradesh	1982	2,052	11
16	Dudhwa	Uttar Pradesh	1987	2,201	135
17	Kalakad-Mundanthurai	Tamil Nadu	1988	1,601	17
18	Valmiki	Bihar	1989	899	54
19	Pench	Madhya Pradesh	1992	1,179	77
20	Tadoba-Andhari	Maharashtra	1993	1,727	97
21	Bandhavgarh	Madhya Pradesh	1993	1,536	135
22	Panna	Madhya Pradesh	1994	1,578	55
23	Dampa	Mizoram	1994	988	0
24	Bhadra	Karnataka	1998	1,064	33
25	Pench	Maharashtra	1998	741	45
26	Pakke	Arunachal Pradesh	1999	1,198	8
27	Nameri	Assam	1999	344	4
28	Satpura	Madhya Pradesh	1999	2,133	50
29	Anamalai	Tamil Nadu	2007	1,479	30
30	Udanti-Sitanadi	Chhattisgarh	2008	1,842	4
31	Satkosia	Odisha	2008	963	3
32	Kaziranga	Assam	2008	1,173	121
33	Achanakmar	Chhattisgarh	2009	914	5
34	Dandeli-Anshi	Karnataka	2009	1,097	29
35	Sanjay-Dubri	Madhya Pradesh	2009	1,674	36
36	Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu	2007	688	114
37	Nagarhole	Karnataka	1999	1,205	141
38	Parambikulam	Kerala	2010	643	31
39	Sahyadri	Maharashtra	2010	1,165	12
40	Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple	Karnataka	2010	574	68
41	Kawal	Telangana	2012	2,015	10
42	Sathyamangalam	Tamil Nadu	2013	1,411	85
43	Mukundra Hills	Rajasthan	2013	759	5
44	Nawegaon-Nagzira	Maharashtra	2013	1,894	9
45	Amrabad	Telangana	2014	2,611	22
46	Pilibhit	Uttar Pradesh	2014	730	65
47	Bor	Maharashtra	2014	138	8
48	Rajaji	Uttarakhand	2015	1,150	48
49	Orang	Assam	2016	492	28
50	Kamlang	Arunachal Pradesh	2016	783	1
51	Srivilliputhur-Megamalai	Tamil Nadu	2021	1,016	8
52	Ramgarh Vishdhari	Rajasthan	2022	1,501	3
53	Guru Ghasidas	Chhattisgarh	2022	2,899	2
54	Ranipur	Uttar Pradesh	2022	529	2

Official Tiger Conservation Resources

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Project Tiger Official Portal Tiger Portal - WII TigerNet Monitoring System

India's Biodiversity Hotspots

4 of World's 36 Biodiversity Hotspots — Exceptionally Rich, Exceptionally Threatened

1. Western Ghats (Sahyadri)

Location & Extent

1,600 km along west coast (Gujarat to Tamil Nadu)
UNESCO World Heritage Site (39 serial properties)
6 states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Age: 150+ million years (older than Himalayas)
Area: ~1,60,000 km²

Biodiversity Statistics

7,402 flowering plant species (1,540 endemic)
139 mammal species (25 endemic)
508 bird species (35 endemic)
179 amphibian species (117 endemic — 65%!)
290 freshwater fish species (189 endemic)

Key Endemic Species

Lion-tailed Macaque (~4,000 individuals)
Nilgiri Tahr (~3,000 individuals)
Malabar Giant Squirrel
Purple Frog (living fossil, 100 million years old)
Nilgiri Laughingthrush

2. Himalayas (Eastern & Western)

Location & Extent

3,000+ km arc across northern India
From Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh
Altitude: 500m to 8,849m (Mt. Everest)
Age: 50 million years (youngest major mountains)
12 states/UTs covered

Biodiversity Statistics

10,000+ plant species (3,160 endemic)
300+ mammal species (12 endemic)
980 bird species (15 endemic)
300+ species of medicinal plants
175 reptile species

Key Species

Snow Leopard (~700 in India)
Red Panda (~10,000 globally)
Himalayan Musk Deer
Hangul (Kashmir Stag) — ~250 only
Western Tragopan (rarest pheasant)

3. Indo-Burma Region (Northeast India)

Location & Extent

Northeast India (Seven Sisters + Sikkim)
Extends to Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, China
India's most biodiverse region
85% forest cover in some states (Mizoram)
Home to 220+ indigenous tribal communities

Biodiversity Statistics

13,500 plant species (7,000 endemic)
433 mammal species (71 endemic)
1,170 bird species (35 endemic)
280+ reptile species
148 amphibian species (57 endemic)

Key Species

Hoolock Gibbon (only ape in India)
Clouded Leopard
Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer) — ~260 only
Golden Langur
Pygmy Hog (world's smallest pig)

4. Sundaland (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Location & Extent

572 islands in Bay of Bengal
92% forest cover (highest in India)
Tropical rainforest climate
Separated from mainland for millions of years
Only 38 islands inhabited

Biodiversity Statistics

2,200+ plant species (200+ endemic)
58 mammal species (32 endemic — 55%!)
271 bird species (99 endemic — 36%!)
83 reptile species (28 endemic)
Rich coral reefs (197+ coral species)

Key Species

Dugong (Sea Cow) — Critically Endangered
Andaman Wild Pig (endemic)
Nicobar Megapode (mound-building bird)
Narcondam Hornbill — only ~400 left
Leatherback Sea Turtle

Conservation Efforts & Success Stories

India's Wildlife Conservation — From Brink of Extinction to Global Success Stories

Project Tiger (1973)

1,411 → 3,682

Tigers increased from 1,411 (2006) to 3,682 (2024). India now has 75% of world's wild tigers. 54 Tiger Reserves covering 75,000+ km². First conservation project under Wildlife Protection Act.

Project Tiger Portal

Project Elephant (1992)

29,964

32 Elephant Reserves across 16 states covering 65,814 km². Focus on habitat conservation, human-elephant conflict mitigation, and corridor protection. India has 60% of world's Asian elephants.

Project Elephant

Indian Rhino Vision 2020

200 → 3,600+

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros increased from mere 200 (1905) to 3,600+ today. Kaziranga alone has 2,600+. Translocated rhinos to Manas, Dudhwa for population expansion. India has 82% of world population.

Asiatic Lion Conservation

20 → 674

From just 20 lions (1913) to 674 (2020). ONLY wild population in the world, found exclusively in Gir Forest, Gujarat. Expanding range now covers 30,000 km² in greater Saurashtra region.

Crocodile Conservation (1975)

3 Species Protected

Gharial: From ~200 to ~650. Saltwater Crocodile: Stable population in Sundarbans & Bhitarkanika. Mugger: Recovered throughout range. National Chambal Sanctuary is primary gharial habitat.

Vulture Conservation

95% Decline Reversed

Diclofenac ban in 2006 after 99% vulture decline. Breeding centers in Pinjore, Rani (Assam), Bhopal. Vulture Safe Zones created. 9 species being conserved including critically endangered species.

Project Snow Leopard (2009)

718 Snow Leopards

First ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2024) counted 718 individuals across 5 Himalayan states. Hemis National Park has highest density. Community-based conservation programs active.

Project Cheetah (2022)

Reintroduction Success

African Cheetahs reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh after 70 years of extinction. 20+ cheetahs now present including cubs born in India. Historic conservation milestone.

Protected Area Network of India (2024)

106

National Parks

44,378 km²

567

Wildlife Sanctuaries

1,22,564 km²

Tiger Reserves

75,000+ km²

Elephant Reserves

65,814 km²

Biosphere Reserves

12 UNESCO recognized

Ramsar Wetlands

13,26,677 ha

104

Conservation Reserves

5,184 km²

214

Community Reserves

2,042 km²

Total Protected Area: 1,73,629 km² (5.28% of India's geographical area)

Key Wildlife Laws & Legislation

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Foundation of wildlife conservation. Establishes protected areas, prohibits hunting, regulates trade. Amended multiple times, most recently in 2022.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Restricts de-reservation of forests and use for non-forest purposes. Central government approval required for forest diversion.

Environment Protection Act, 1986

Umbrella legislation for environmental protection. Enables central government to take measures for environmental improvement.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Protects India's biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Establishes National Biodiversity Authority and State Biodiversity Boards.

National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

Establishes specialized environmental court for expeditious disposal of environmental disputes and cases.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016

Manages funds collected for forest diversion. Ensures compensatory afforestation and forest conservation activities.

Endemic Species of India

Found ONLY in India — Unique Treasures of Evolution

Lion-tailed Macaque

Western Ghats rainforests only. ~4,000 individuals. One of world's rarest primates.

Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiris & Western Ghats. ~3,000 individuals. State animal of Tamil Nadu.

Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer)

ONLY in Loktak Lake, Manipur. ~260 individuals. State animal of Manipur.

Malabar Giant Squirrel

Western Ghats forests. State animal of Maharashtra. Up to 1 meter long.

Golden Langur

Western Assam & Bhutan border only. ~6,500 individuals. Discovered 1953.

Pygmy Hog

Assam grasslands only. ~250 individuals. World's smallest and rarest wild pig.

Purple Frog

Western Ghats. Living fossil — 100+ million year old lineage. Discovered 2003.

Narcondam Hornbill

ONLY on Narcondam Island (6.8 km²). ~400 individuals. Critically small range.

Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

Dachigam NP, Kashmir only. ~250 individuals. State animal of J&K.

Nilgiri Marten

Only marten species in South India. Nilgiris & Western Ghats. Arboreal.

Jerdon's Courser

Andhra Pradesh scrublands. Critically Endangered. Rediscovered 1986 after 86 years.

Neelakurinji

Blooms once in 12 years! Nilgiris endemic. Next bloom: 2030. Entire hills turn blue.

Brahma Kamal

Himalayan alpine flower. State flower of Uttarakhand. Blooms at night. Sacred.

Grizzled Giant Squirrel

Southern Western Ghats only. ~500 individuals. Endangered.

Nicobar Megapode

Nicobar Islands only. Uses volcanic heat to incubate eggs. Vulnerable.

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

Namdapha NP only. Critically Endangered. Known from single specimen (1981).

18 Biosphere Reserves of India

12 included in UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use. They serve three interconnected functions: Conservation, Development, and Logistic Support (research, education, training).

1. Nilgiri (1986) — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka

First BR in India, UNESCO 2000. Area: 5,520 km². Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque.

2. Nanda Devi (1988) — Uttarakhand

UNESCO 2004. Area: 5,860 km². Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Valley of Flowers.

3. Nokrek (1988) — Meghalaya

UNESCO 2009. Area: 820 km². Red Panda, Wild Citrus (Citrus indica) gene pool.

4. Manas (1989) — Assam

UNESCO 2001. Area: 2,837 km². Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Wild Water Buffalo.

5. Sundarbans (1989) — West Bengal

UNESCO 2001. Area: 9,630 km². World's largest mangrove. Swimming Bengal Tigers.

6. Gulf of Mannar (1989) — Tamil Nadu

UNESCO 2001. Area: 10,500 km². Dugong, 21 islands, coral reefs, sea grass beds.

7. Great Nicobar (1989) — Andaman & Nicobar

UNESCO 2013. Area: 885 km². Southernmost point of India. Nicobar Megapode, Leatherback Turtle.

8. Simlipal (1994) — Odisha

UNESCO 2009. Area: 4,374 km². Melanistic Tigers (Black Tigers), Sal forests, Elephant.

9. Khangchendzonga (2000) — Sikkim

UNESCO 2018. Area: 2,619 km². World's 3rd highest peak. Snow Leopard, Red Panda.

10. Agasthyamalai (2001) — Kerala, Tamil Nadu

UNESCO 2016. Area: 3,500 km². Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Neelakurinji.

11. Pachmarhi (1999) — Madhya Pradesh

UNESCO 2009. Area: 4,926 km². Satpura ranges. Bengal Tiger, Giant Squirrel.

12. Panna (2020) — Madhya Pradesh

UNESCO 2020. Area: 2,998 km². Tiger reintroduction success story. Gharial, Vultures.

13. Achanakmar-Amarkantak (2005) — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

Area: 3,835 km². Origin of Narmada River. Bengal Tiger, Wild Buffalo.

14. Dibru-Saikhowa (1997) — Assam

Area: 765 km². Feral horses, White-winged Wood Duck, Hoolock Gibbon.

15. Dihang-Dibang (1998) — Arunachal Pradesh

Area: 5,111 km². Mishmi Takin, Red Panda, Mishmi Wren-babbler.

16. Cold Desert (1989) — Himachal Pradesh

Area: 7,770 km². Snow Leopard habitat. Pin Valley, Spiti. Trans-Himalayan ecosystem.

17. Seshachalam Hills (2010) — Andhra Pradesh

Area: 4,755 km². Red Sanders (endemic), Slender Loris, Cycas beddomei.

18. Kutch (2008) — Gujarat

Area: 12,454 km². Wild Ass Sanctuary, Flamingo City, Great Indian Bustard.

Official Resources

UNESCO MAB Programme MoEFCC Biosphere Reserves

Comprehensive Wildlife Statistics

State-wise Distribution & Latest Census Data (2024)

State/UT	Tigers (2022)	Leopards (2022)	Elephants (2017)	National Parks	Wildlife Sanctuaries
Madhya Pradesh	785	3,907	524	11	31
Karnataka	563	1,879	6,049	5	30
Uttarakhand	560	839	2,026	6	7
Maharashtra	444	1,985	-	6	42
Tamil Nadu	264	1,070	2,761	5	28
Assam	200	386	5,719	7	20
Kerala	190	650	5,706	6	17
Uttar Pradesh	173	558	232	1	26
West Bengal	194	350	194	6	15
Rajasthan	110	615	-	5	26
Gujarat	-	316	-	4	23
Chhattisgarh	17	385	247	3	11
Odisha	30	696	1,976	2	19
Bihar	54	124	-	1	12
Jharkhand	5	185	679	1	11
Andhra Pradesh	35	268	-	2	13
Telangana	26	206	-	3	9
Arunachal Pradesh	20	30	1,614	2	11
Himachal Pradesh	-	141	-	5	28
Goa	5	85	-	1	6
TOTAL (INDIA)	3,682	13,874	29,964	106	567

Critically Endangered Species in India (IUCN Red List)

Great Indian Bustard

~150 individuals. Rajasthan, Gujarat. Habitat loss, power lines.

Gharial

~650 individuals. National Chambal Sanctuary. River pollution, fishing nets.

Indian Vulture

~12,000 individuals. 99% decline. Diclofenac poisoning (banned 2006).

Pygmy Hog

~250 individuals. Assam grasslands only. Habitat loss.

Sumatran Rhinoceros

Extinct in India. Last seen 1960s in Assam. Only ~80 survive globally.

Hawksbill Turtle

Andaman & Nicobar. Coral reef dependent. Illegal trade, plastic pollution.

India's Biodiversity: A Global Treasure

Mega-Diverse Country

Wildlife Heritage

Forest Diversity

Official Government Data Sources

India's Biodiversity at a Glance (2024 Data)

Interactive Map: All 106 National Parks of India

Forest Types of India

India's Forest Cover (India State of Forest Report 2023)

Tropical Evergreen Forests

Distribution

Key Features

Important Trees

Key Wildlife

Tropical Deciduous Forests

Distribution

Two Sub-Types

Important Trees

Key Wildlife

Economic Value

Tropical Thorn Forests

Distribution

Key Features

Important Trees

Key Wildlife

Montane Forests

Distribution

Altitudinal Zones

Important Trees

Key Wildlife

Mangrove Forests

Distribution

Key Features

Important Species

Key Wildlife

Ecological Value

Alpine Meadows (Bugyals)

Distribution

Key Features

Important Flora

Key Wildlife

Valley of Flowers

Iconic Wildlife of India

Bengal Tiger

Asiatic Lion

Asian Elephant

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

Indian Leopard

Snow Leopard

Gangetic River Dolphin

Indian Peafowl

Other Remarkable Species

Deer & Antelope

Bears

Primates

Reptiles

Raptors

Birds

All 106 National Parks of India

All 54 Tiger Reserves of India

Tiger Population Growth — A Conservation Triumph

Official Tiger Conservation Resources

India's Biodiversity Hotspots

1. Western Ghats (Sahyadri)

Location & Extent

Biodiversity Statistics

Key Endemic Species

2. Himalayas (Eastern & Western)

Location & Extent

Biodiversity Statistics

Key Species

3. Indo-Burma Region (Northeast India)

Location & Extent

Biodiversity Statistics

Key Species

4. Sundaland (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Location & Extent

Biodiversity Statistics

Key Species