Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Nagaland And Where To See Them

Nagaland is one of India's wildest states, with remoteness, less-explored wildernesses, and lesser-known tribal communities with unique cultural practices. As part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Nagaland's ecosystems are home to great biodiversity. The remote hills, lush valleys, thick rainforests, and scenic rivers of the state are home to many species of flora and fauna. Here are seven iconic wild animals of Nagaland.

Blyth’s Tragopan (Tragopan blythii)

A Blyth's tragopan. Image credit: Kevin Schofield via Flickr.com.

Blyth's Tragopan, the state bird of Nagaland, is a rare and striking pheasant species found in the hill forests of the state. This species is known for the male's bright plumage during the breeding season. Unfortunately, habitat loss and hunting have led to its decline, making it a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its survival. In 1998, the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was established in Nagaland's Kohima district to protect this bird.

The Mithun (Bos frontalis)

A mithun. Image credit: Mike Prince via Flickr.com.

This bovid, a semi-domesticated form of the gaur, holds immense cultural and economic significance in Nagaland. It is also the state animal, revered as a symbol of wealth and prestige. Beyond its cultural role, Mithun plays an ecological part in maintaining the forest ecosystem, which roams freely in semi-wild conditions.

Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis)

An Amur falcon. Image credit: Amudha HariHaran via Flickr.com.

Every year, Nagaland witnesses a spectacular natural event with the arrival of the Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis). These small migratory falcons travel thousands of kilometers from Siberia and China to roost in Nagaland before continuing their journey to Africa. Once threatened by mass hunting, the Amur falcons are now protected thanks to community-led conservation initiatives, turning the state into a global model for bird protection. The Pangti village in Nagaland's Wokha district is a great place to see these birds roosting in winter.

The Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys)

The Asian giant tortoise. Image credit: Rushenb via Wikimedia Commons.

A critically endangered species, this tortoise was almost wiped out in Nagaland nearly a decade ago. However, a captive breeding program for the tortoise was started in 2018 at the Nagaland Zoological Park. The animals used for this program were mainly those given by former pet owners. Recently, in August 2025, ten Asian giant tortoises were released in  Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland’s Peren district and put under the care of community youth in the area.

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) 

A clouded leopard. Image credit: Tambako the Jaguar via Flickr.com.

Among the predators of Nagaland's forest, the clouded leopard, a medium-sized wild cat, is one of the most elusive and beautiful. It is named for its gorgeous cloud-like coat patterns. It is an agile climber that usually rests on trees in the day and hunts on the ground at night. Being highly secretive, sightings are rare, and its survival depends on the conservation of undisturbed forest habitats. It is a Vulnerable species. In 2022, a clouded leopard was spotted at an elevation of 3,700 m in a community-owned forest in Nagaland near the Myanmar border. It was one of the highest sightings of this species. 

The Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock)

A Western hoolock gibbon. Image credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves via Wikimedia Commons.

India's only ape, this primate is found in only parts of Northeast India, including the forests of Nagaland. The species is highly arboreal and needs a continuous cover of tall trees to survive. Known for their loud calls and remarkable brachiation (swinging from tree to tree), hoolock gibbons are vital seed dispersers and indicators of healthy forests. Unfortunately, they face threats from deforestation and hunting, and are an endangered species. In Nagaland, these animals can be found in small numbers in the Ntangki National Park, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, and Singphan Reserved Forest.

Naga wren-babbler (Spelaeornis chocolatinus)

A Naga wren-babbler. Image credit: Subhajit Chaudhuri via Wikimedia Commons.

This rare bird is found in the dense undergrowth of evergreen forests near forest streams in Nagaland and Manipur states in India. It is a near-threatened species, and habitat loss is a major threat to its survival. Spotting this bird is extremely difficult as it lives in dense foliage. On rare occasions, hikers have spotted or heard this bird on long, arduous trekking routes through Nagaland's forests.

Nagaland’s animals embody both natural beauty and cultural importance. From the migratory Amur falcons that unite communities in conservation to the Mithun that represents tradition and identity, these species highlight the deep bond between people and nature. Protecting these creatures and their habitats is not just about safeguarding wildlife, but also about preserving Nagaland's heritage and ecological future.