When we think of tiger reserves, the majestic striped predator instantly comes to mind. Tigers are undoubtedly the stars of these protected landscapes, but they are far from the only attraction. These forests and grasslands are teeming with wildlife wonders — from elusive leopards and graceful deer to vibrant birdlife and fascinating reptiles. Each reserve is a thriving ecosystem where countless species, large and small, coexist and contribute to the health of the wilderness.
In this blog, we step beyond the tiger’s shadow to explore the diverse wildlife that makes these reserves so extraordinary. Whether it’s the playful antics of langurs, the stealth of wild dogs, or the colorful flurry of butterflies and birds, these “other attraction animals” add depth, drama, and beauty to the tiger reserves. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of India’s tiger landscapes — the animals that make every forest visit an unforgettable experience.
Barasingha (Rucervus duvaceli):
India is home to three distinct subspecies of Barasingha, each adapted to unique habitats and found in specific landscapes. These tiger reserves serve as the last strongholds for their survival. The Hardground Barasingha, adapted to the dry, hard terrain of central India, is primarily found in Kanha Tiger Reserve, with populations also introduced in Bandhavgarh and Satpura to establish additional metapopulations and strengthen their chances of survival.
The Eastern Swamp Deer, or Eastern Barasingha, is restricted to Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, where its limited range makes conservation efforts critical. The main subspecies, simply known as Barasingha or Swamp Deer, inhabits the wet, swampy grasslands of the Terai region, with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve serving as its stronghold. Small populations are also scattered across the Terai belt near the Indo-Nepal border.
Elephants (Elephus maximus):
The national heritage animal of India, the elephant, is widely distributed across the country. India is home to more than 60% of the world’s Asiatic elephant population. Their range often overlaps with that of tigers, and many tiger reserves offer excellent opportunities to see them in the wild. Some of the best places to spot elephants include Corbett Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, and Manas Tiger Reserve.
The largest gatherings of elephants can be seen at the Kabini Reservoir, which is part of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. In addition to tiger reserves, there are dedicated elephant reserves spread throughout their distribution range, ensuring their protection and conservation.
Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinocertos unicornis):
A part of India’s Big Five, the Indian rhinoceros is found only in the Indian subcontinent — in India and Nepal. They are now extinct in Bangladesh and Bhutan. These rhinos roam the vast tropical grasslands of northeast India and the Terai region of India and Nepal. In the past, they were distributed across a much larger area, but rampant poaching and hunting for their horns caused their population to decline to a critically endangered level.
Fortunately, thanks to strong conservation efforts by the government, their numbers are gradually recovering, and their status has been updated from endangered to vulnerable. Some of the best places to see them in the wild are Manas Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock):
The hoolock gibbons, the only apes found in India, are often called the acrobats of the forest canopy. They are famous for their loud calls or songs that resonate through the forests in the early morning. These calls serve both as territorial signals and as duet songs between mated pairs. Hoolock gibbons exhibit sexual dimorphism, the males are black in color, while females are generally blond.
They live in the upper layers of primary tropical forests and move by brachiating from one branch to another. For their survival, they rely on closely connected tree canopies, as they rarely descend to the ground. If they do come down, they are vulnerable and find it difficult to move, as they are adapted to life in the trees. Some of the best places to see hoolock gibbons in the wild are Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and the nearby Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus):
The lion-tailed macaque is an endemic species found only in the Western Ghats of India. It is considered to be the ancestor of many macaque species found across South Asia. These macaques inhabit tropical evergreen and moist forests of the Western Ghats. Depending on the availability of food and resources, they live in groups ranging from small to large.
Larger groups are often seen near villages, while smaller groups tend to stay deeper inside the forests. Their distinctive lion-like mane, black body, and tufted tail give them a striking appearance. Although they are widely distributed throughout the forests of the Western Ghats, one of the best places to observe them in the wild is Annamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius):
The Nilgiri tahr is an endemic species of wild goat found only in the Western Ghats of southern India. These animals are well adapted to the steep, rocky slopes and grasslands of high-altitude regions. They are primarily seen in open montane grasslands and shola forests, where they feed on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Nilgiri tahrs live in small herds, with group size varying depending on food availability and terrain.
Males are larger and have curved horns, while females are smaller with shorter horns. Their sure-footedness and ability to climb rugged cliffs make them perfectly suited to their habitat. Though they are distributed across various parts of the Western Ghats, the largest existing population of Nilgiri tahrs is concentrated in the Anamalai conservation unit, which encompasses Eravikulam National Park, the Anamalai Tiger reserve, and the Parambikulam Tiger reserve.
Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus):
The Indian gaur, also known as the Indian bison, is the largest wild cattle species and is native to the forests of India. These powerful and muscular herbivores are found in tropical and subtropical forests, where they graze on grasses, leaves, and shoots. Gaurs live in small to large herds, with the size of the group depending on factors such as food availability and habitat conditions.
Males are larger with a prominent muscular build, while females are comparatively smaller. Their dark brown body, white “stockings” on their legs, and impressive curved horns give them a majestic appearance. Although they are distributed across several forested regions in India, some of the best places to see them in the wild are Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where conservation efforts have helped maintain healthy populations.
Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena):
The striped hyena is a nocturnal scavenger found across parts of India, including dry forests, scrublands, and rocky terrains. Known for its distinctive striped coat, pointed ears, and bushy tail, the striped hyena plays an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion and preventing the spread of disease. They are generally solitary animals, though they may come together near a food source.
Adapted to harsh environments, they can travel long distances in search of food and shelter. Despite being widely distributed in suitable habitats, they are elusive and not easily spotted. Some of the best places to see striped hyenas in the wild are Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, where their presence reflects the health of the ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa):
The clouded leopard is a mysterious and elusive big cat found in the dense forests of northeastern India. Known for its beautiful cloud-like patterned coat, this medium-sized predator is perfectly adapted to life in the trees. With short, powerful legs and sharp claws, it is an expert climber, often hunting and resting among the branches. Clouded leopards are solitary and mostly active at night, making them difficult to spot in the wild.
They feed on birds, small mammals, and reptiles, and rely on undisturbed forest habitats to thrive. Although scattered across parts of northeast India, the best places to see them are in protected areas like Kaziranga and Manas Tiger Reserves, where conservation efforts are helping secure their fragile population.
Indian Wild Dogs (Cuon alpinus):
The Indian wild dog, also known as the dhole, is a highly social and skilled predator found in the forests and grasslands of India. With its reddish coat, rounded ears, and bushy tail, the dhole is easily recognizable and admired for its teamwork and hunting strategies. These dogs live and hunt in packs, sometimes consisting of up to 20 or more members, which allows them to take down prey much larger than themselves.
They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands, as long as there is sufficient prey. Despite their wide distribution, they are shy and rarely seen by humans. Some of the best places to observe Indian wild dogs in the wild are Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where conservation efforts and protected habitats support their survival.
Conclusion on Wildlife Wonder:
While tigers may be the iconic face of India’s protected areas, the true beauty of these landscapes lies in the incredible diversity of life they support. From the towering gaur and elusive clouded leopard to the tree-dwelling hoolock gibbon and scavenging striped hyena, each species plays a vital role in the ecosystem. These “other attraction animals” not only enrich the experience of exploring tiger reserves but also highlight the importance of conserving entire habitats, not just flagship species.
Whether you spot a herd of Indian wild dogs working together, a group of lion-tailed macaques swinging through the canopy, or a lone Indian rhinoceros grazing in tall grasslands, these encounters remind us that every creature matters. Together, they create a living, breathing wilderness — one that’s worth protecting and celebrating at every turn. So next time you visit a tiger reserve, look closely beyond the stripes, and discover the hidden wonders that make India’s forests truly unforgettable.
Mr. Vibhav Srivastava is a trained wildlife expert and ecotourism specialist. He has more than 20 years of experience in wildlife research, forest management, conservation education, and sustainable tourism in India.
He works at Tiger Safari India, where he plans exciting wildlife tours, helps spread conservation messages, and creates simple educational programs.
He has worked in all major wildlife areas across Central, Northern, Eastern, and Southern India. His key work includes tiger monitoring across the country with the Wildlife Institute of India, community conservation projects, and training forest staff and nature guides.
He has worked with many groups like RARE India, New Delhi Zoo, Le Passage to India, and Tiger Protection Group. He also served as Chief Naturalist at Kanha National Park.
He is a good teacher and speaker. He has given more than 30 talks at top universities like Delhi University, BHU, Amity University, and IITTM on wildlife protection, ecotourism, and sustainability.
He has written books and scientific papers, and has spoken at national conferences. His focus is always on connecting real science with local communities and responsible tourism.
He has a Master’s degree in Botany and special training from the Wildlife Institute of India. He was also chosen as one of the top five naturalists in India for the TOFT Best Naturalist Award.
