International Day Of Forests: 10 Wild Cats You Can Spot In India

Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)Found in reserves like Sundarbans, Ranthambhore, and Jim Corbett, Bengal tigers are the largest wild cats in India. They are apex predators, vital for ecosystem balance, but are endangered due to habitat loss.Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)Native to diverse habitats across India, including Kanha, Sariska, and Gir Forest, Indian leopards are adaptable predators. Known for their agility, they thrive in forests, grasslands, and hills, often nocturnal in behaviour.Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)Inhabiting the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, snow leopards are elusive and endangered. They are found in Spiti Valley, Ladakh, and Nanda Devi National Park, preying on mountain ungulates and smaller mammals.Jaguar (Panthera onca)Jaguars, while mostly native to the Americas, have rare sightings in Northeastern India. Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh may occasionally see jaguars, though sightings are infrequent and unconfirmed.Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)The clouded leopard is found in the forests of Northeast India, especially in Namdapha, Kaziranga, and Dampa Tiger Reserve. Known for its elusive nature, it is a superb climber and skilled nocturnal predator.Caracal (Caracal caracal)Found in the semi-desert regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, caracals are known for their tufted ears and agility. They mainly hunt birds and small mammals and are solitary, nocturnal creatures.Indian Wildcat (Felis lybica ornata)Commonly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, it resembles domestic cats but is a solitary, nocturnal predator, feeding on rodents and small mammals in dry, scrubby habitats.Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)The only place to spot the Asiatic lion is Gir Forest, Gujarat. This lion subspecies, smaller than its African counterpart, is protected through conservation efforts, with their numbers steadily increasing in this region.Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)The fishing cat thrives in wetland areas like the Sundarbans, Kaziranga, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Skilled in swimming, it preys on fish, amphibians, and aquatic birds, adapting to mangrove and riverbank environments.Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)Golden cats, rare and elusive, inhabit the dense forests of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. They primarily hunt small to medium-sized mammals and birds in remote, forested areas.10 Best Places To Visit In India For Wildlife PhotographyRead More