Wildlife of Bandhavgarh

Fauna in Bandhavgarh

Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for its rich wildlife and dramatic landscapes, which have inspired stories and legends about tigers and forest life. The park is particularly known for its Bengal tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, and wolves, which bring the forest to life for visitors. While not directly featured in The Jungle Book, the park’s wildlife evokes the same sense of wonder and adventure, making every safari feel like stepping into a living story of India’s forests.

70+

Royal Bengal Tiger

250+

Bird Species

200+

Butterfly Species

40+

Reptiles & Amphibians

Mammals

Bandhavgarh National Park is home to approximately 35 mammals.

Bengal Tigers

Indian Leopard

Striped Hyena

Spotted Deer

Bison

Golden Jackal

Sambhar Deer

Langur

Birds

Kanha will also excite the bird lovers as there are 300 birds flying in the sky.

Indian Pitta

Indian Roller

Peafowl

Racket-tailed Drongo

Indian Black Ibis

Asian Openbill

Indian Scops Owl

Rufous Treepie

Red Spurfowl

Oriental Turtle Dove

Indian Grey Hornbill

Common Hoopoe

Reptiles

There are also 30 species of reptiles roaming the jungles and waters of the Kanha tiger reserve.

Sand Boa

Checkered Keelback

Russell’s Viper

Spectacled Cobra

Indian Rock Python

Common Krait

Common Vina Snake

Common Wolf Snake

Indian Garden Lizard

Indian Monitor Lizard

Common Skink

Banded Kukri Snake

FAQs – Wildlife in Bandhavgarh

What types of animals live in Bandhavgarh National Park?

Bandhavgarh is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, spotted deer, sambar deer, gaur, and several primate species.

How many tigers are there in Bandhavgarh?

Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities in India, with around 60 to 70 tigers, including cubs and sub-adults, spread across its zones.

Which is the top predator in Bandhavgarh?

The Bengal tiger is the apex predator of Bandhavgarh, playing a key role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Are leopards common in Bandhavgarh?

Yes, leopards are present in good numbers but are more elusive compared to tigers. They are often sighted in buffer zones and hilly areas.

What are the main prey species in Bandhavgarh?

Common prey animals include chital (spotted deer), sambar, barking deer, nilgai, and wild boar, which support the park’s large predator population.

Are elephants found in Bandhavgarh?

Elephants are not resident animals here but occasionally migrate from nearby forest areas. The park’s elephants are mostly used for forest patrols and monitoring.

What kind of birds can be seen in Bandhavgarh?

The park has over 250 bird species, including crested serpent eagles, Malabar pied hornbills, Indian rollers, paradise flycatchers, and peafowls.

Is Bandhavgarh good for reptile sightings?

Yes, Bandhavgarh has several reptiles like Indian rock pythons, monitor lizards, cobras, and rat snakes, along with many frog and lizard species.

Are there any rare or endangered species in Bandhavgarh?

Yes, apart from the Bengal tiger, Bandhavgarh shelters leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and vultures, all listed as threatened or vulnerable species.

Are there nocturnal animals in Bandhavgarh?

Yes, animals like leopards, civets, jungle cats, jackals, and owls are active at night, though they are rarely seen during regular safaris.