India's Hidden Wildlife: Meet Rare, Endangered Species

India is home to an array of rare and unique animal species, many of which are critically endangered and facing significant threats to their survival. Among these is the lion-tailed macaque, an old-world monkey distinguished by its silver-white mane, native to the Western Ghats and severely impacted by habitat degradation. Its survival is a pressing concern for conservationists.

The Malabar civet, a nocturnal and elusive mammal also found in the Western Ghats, is among the world's most endangered. It is seldom observed in the wild due to relentless poaching and the continuous loss of its natural habitat. Another intriguing species is the purple frog, unique to the Western Ghats, which spends most of its life underground, surfacing only for a few days during the monsoon for procreation.

Further illustrating India's diverse fauna are the Kashmir stag, or Hangul, in the Kashmir Valley, whose population has drastically declined. The genetically unique Himalayan wolf, adapted to harsh climates, and the Nicobar Megapode, a bird that incubates eggs using decaying vegetation heat, also highlight the nation's rich biodiversity.