Indian Wildlife is best discovered in its tiger reserves and National Parks. Though some of the wildlife sanctuaries harbor endangered and indicator species they are less protected than NPs and TRs in the country. More than three hundred mammalian species thrive in India with some being practically unheard. How ever tourism is opening door of many lesser visited destination harbouring rare and endemic animals and birds. Animals like the Hoolock Gibbon, red panda, clouded leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri langur and macaque, takin, serow, water buffalo to name a few are slowly entering the domain of overseas tourists and locals.
Tiger in India is among the most endangered and program to save the species is bringing in rich results. Under the Project Tiger the species numbers are growing year on year. This happening in the reserves notified as protected areas all over the country. The big cat numbers are rising as more ecosystems are subject to conservation. A lot of study and research is being carried out to save the species. Being an indicator species its conservation is resulting in saving of many endangered mammals, reptiles and birds.
Many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are benefiting from conservation practices in India. The protected area concept is subject to best practices and initiative which has resulted in bring back from extinction of many species. The population of swamp deer, Asiatic of Indian Lion, snow leopard, Indian Rhino all are on the way to recovery besides many others. The main benefit has accrued from regeneration of habitats and thus the ecosystems. Prevention of poaching, ban on hunting, reforestation and reduction of man animal conflict as result of active conservation measures has brought in success to save many life forms in the countries wilderness areas.
Besides conservation initiatives Indian Wildlife conservation has been aided by tourism. Almost all National Parks and reserves are subject to regulated tourism and this generates revenue needed to maintain parks and conserve species. Research goes side by side with tourism and wildlife photography assists in this purpose as well albeit most of it is commercial and recreational. Tourism also benefits the local communities and empowers them with education, employment and social development through institution and hospitality industries. In fact due to benefits that accrue local communities especially the tribal assist in saving the species and protecting the heritage wealth.
India is rich in birdlife as well with thirteen percent of the global species. Indian birding has come of age and many bird tours are organised every year. The hot spots are spread all over the country especially in bird sanctuaries and large lakes. Popular sanctuaries for bird watching in India are Munnar, Chambal, Bharatpur, Periyar, Western Ghats and the tiger reserves.
Tourism is conducted as organized safaris in India. Most of the tiger reserves are subject to permits. These permits are required for tiger safari in the reserves and NPs. There are wildlife tour operators who specialize in organizing safaris and birding. They sell package tours for comfort of wildlife and birding entghusiasts.
