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 Vine 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.