Photos: 7 exotic and rare animal species you didn't know existed in India

Wildlife plays a huge role in balancing the environment and ensuring harmonious co-existence among beings. India is home to a variety of unique, rare and exotic animal species.

Updated on: Jul 27, 2021 11:47 AM IST

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Here are a few rare and beautiful species of animals you didn't know existed in India.

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Snow Leopard: This magnificent creature is found in the mountains of India's Himalayas, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. They can thrive in the most extreme environments. (Unsplash)

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Himalayan Tahr: The famous Himalayan Tahr is native to the Himalayas in southern Tibet, northern India, and Nepal. They lose their dense reddish fur in the spring. They have been listed as 'near threatened' by IUCN Red List as their population is declining due to hunting and habitat loss.⁣ (Unsplash)

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Red Panda: These adorable little mammals are found in Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, and parts of Meghalaya. (Unsplash)

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Dugong: These marine mammals are herbivorous and feed on seagrass. They have limited vision and acute hearing within narrow sound thresholds. (Unsplash)

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Indian Giant Squirrel: Also known as Malabar giant squirrel or Shekru is one of the largest squirrels on earth. They are native to India and feed mostly on fruits, flowers, nuts and tree bark. ⁣ It is a diurnal, arboreal, and mainly herbivorous squirrel. (Instagram/@chandrasekar_rathnam)

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Indian Giant Flying Squirrel: Majority of these species are found in the northeastern states of India. They have been classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN since not much is known about them. (Instagram/@bonedocks)

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Golden Langur: Also known as Gee's golden langur are found in western Assam and Bhutan. Their fur changes colour according to seasons. (Instagram/@aviantrails)