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

Greater Flamingo birds in Chilika Lake, Odisha. Image credit: PixaHive 

The east Indian state of Odisha has a fascinating array of wildlife. From the dolphins playing in Chilika Lake to the blackbucks of Bhetnoi, the elephants roaming across the state, and the Olive Ridley turtles nesting on its beaches, Odisha is a must-explore destination for any wildlife lover. Here are seven iconic species of animals found in Odisha.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Olive Ridley sea turtles nesting on a beach. Image credit: claudio giovenzana www.longwalk.it via Wikimedia Commons

Every year, Odisha's coasts witness a fascinating phenomenon - arribada - the mass congregation of Olive Ridley sea turtles for nesting on the beaches. The three main areas where these turtles nest in Odisha are the mouth of the Rushikulya River in Ganjam, Gahirmatha Beach, and the mouth of the Devi River in Puri. In 2023, over six lakh Olive Ridley sea turtles arrived in Odisha for nesting. These turtles use their hind flippers to dig conical-shaped nests in the sand, which are around a foot and a half deep. There, they lay their egg clutch and cover the nest with sand. The females then leave and enter the sea to swim to their foraging area. In the nests, the incubation temperature determines the sex in these turtles. After an incubation period of around 45 to 55 days, hatchlings emerge and swim towards the sea. Thus, a new life generation of Olive Ridleys starts their life. 

The Olive Ridley turtle is listed as a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and suffers from many threats to its survival. Death as bycatch in fishing, coastal development activities causing disturbances in nesting beaches and coastal waters, climate change, pollution, predation of eggs by feral dogs and other predators, collection of eggs by people, etc., are some of the threats.

Blackbuck

A male blackbuck leaping in the grassland. Image credit: Photo by Munna Mandalapu via Pexels.com.

A unique conservation story has unfolded in the Bhetnoi village in Odisha's Ganjam District. Decades back, the area was suffering from a severe drought. However, the rainfall occurred after a small group of blackbucks was spotted in the area. The villagers connected the two events and believed the blackbucks were lucky for them. From then on, Bhetnoi and surrounding villagers offered protection to blackbucks in their area, and the animals thrived. Today, there are over 6500 blackbucks in the area. Even today, the beliefs of the villagers remain strong and even though blackbucks sometimes damage their crops, they do not cause any harm to the species. These elegant antelopes can be seen grazing in fields very close to village people as the trust between people and animals of Bhetnoi is very strong. 

The community-led conservation scene in Bhetnoi is quite unique because while Bishnois are known to protect them in their lands in northern India, no single community but villages full of people of mixed caste and creed ensure protection to the blackbucks in Bhetnoi.

Irrawaddy Dolphins

An Irrawaddy dolphin. Image credit: Stefan Brending via Wikimedia.com.

The Chilika Lake of Odisha is home to rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, an oceanic dolphin species. The lake is home to the single largest population of the species. As per the 2021 count, there are 156 Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake, which is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Regular boat rides operate from Satapada on the lake's southern shores to take tourists on dolphin-watching tours. Sightings, however, depend on luck. The sheltered waters of the lagoon offer rare chances of encounters with sharks, one of the main predators of dolphins. There is also a plentiful food supply, including both brackishwater and freshwater fish. These factors render Chilika an ideal habitat for these marine cetaceans.

Elephant

 Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary. Image credit: Devopam via Wikimedia Commons.

As of 2024, Odisha has an elephant population of 2,103. Dhenkanal district has the largest elephant population in the state, followed by Keonjhar, Athgarh, Deogarh, and Angul. The Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary near the state capital of Bhubaneshwar is dedicated to protecting elephants, but viewing elephants here is a matter of luck due to the thick jungles in the sanctuary. The state is home to 14 elephant corridors that need urgent protection. Elephants in Odisha are currently facing habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Death by electrocution and railway accidents are the biggest threats to elephants in Odisha today.

Saltwater Crocodile

A large saltwater crocodile in Bhitarkanika National Park. Image credit: Bodhan Nayek via Wikimedia Commons.

The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara District is famous for its thriving population of saltwater crocodiles. These are the largest crocodilians, attaining massive sizes of up to 20 feet. They are known for their aggressive nature and can easily attack and kill humans. Bhitarkanika and its surrounding areas have a population of around 1,811 saltwater crocodiles, one of the highest in the country. They are protected in the national park. Boat rides through Bhitarkanika's many channels, creeks, and estuaries can reveal these crocodiles basking in the sun along the mangrove-lined mud banks of the park.

Waterfowl

Northern pintail duck in Mangalajodi, Odisha. Image credit: Soumyadeep Chatterjee via Wikimedia Commons.

The small village of Mangalajodi, based on the northern shores of Chilika Lake, is a haven for migratory birds. Every year, lakhs of birds belonging to over 200 species from far-off places like Siberia and Mongolia arrive in the wetlands near the village for wintering. Once a hub of poachers, now the villagers have shifted from poaching the birds for meat to promoting tourism there. It is important, however, to prevent Mangalajodi from becoming a mass tourism spot to preserve the ecosystem's sanctity and to continue attracting the birds. Some of the waterfowl species found here include the Northern pintail, Northern shoveler, tufted pochard, red-crested pochard, common moorhen, and others.

Black Indian Tiger

A black tiger of Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Image credit: Government of Odisha via Wikimedia Commons.

Odisha is known for the pseudo-melanistic tigers of Simlipal, or black tigers with darker stripes on the body, due to a higher-than-normal production of the melanin pigment. The tiger population of the state, as per the state census conducted from 2023-24, is 30 adults with eight cubs. Twenty-seven of these tigers and all eight cubs are found in the state's Simplipal Tiger Reserve. The state's Satkosia Tiger Reserve, however, does not have any tigers.

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

Manipur, the Northeast Indian state, is lush, beautiful, and biodiverse. It is part of a biodiversity hotspot and, hence, is home to many rare and threatened wildlife species. Although Manipur is also less travelled, it has great potential for exploration. Its wilds are home to animals like sangai, slow loris, sun bears, pangolins, clouded leopards, hundreds of species of birds and butterflies, and much more. Here are seven iconic wild animals found in Manipur:

Mrs. Hume's Pheasant

Mrs. Hume's Pheasant. Image credit: _SYT2216-黑颈长尾雉-birdnet via Flickr.com.

Manipur's state bird, Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, is simply gorgeous. Photographers dream of capturing this bird on their cameras, but spotting it is not easy. In Manipur, the bird is known as Nongin and is found in forested habitats. For a long time, several tribes in the state hunted the bird to add its feathers to their elaborate headgear. Now, however, most have given up hunting like the Jessami villagers living along Manipur's border with Myanmar. The villagers have now turned from hunting wildlife to hosting wildlife photographers and birders in their village. When the Chairman of the Village Council, Nizote Mekrisuh, learned that Mrs. Hume's Pheasant is a threatened species and that photographers travel great distances in Bhutan to photograph it. He, being a very wise man, understood that there was a way to protect both the bird and help his people. So, he, along with others, worked to make the Jessami village an ecotourism hotspot for all who wanted to observe Manipur's state bird and other rare species in the forests around Jessami. More such initiatives are needed across the state to protect this very unique and lovely bird.

Sangai

A sangai male with calf. Image credit: Sonampalli via Wikimedia Commons.

Manipur is the world's only place where this endangered deer is found. It is a subspecies of the Eld's deer and is the state animal of Manipur. You can spot this deer in the Keibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur, which is also as unique as its inhabitants. It is the world's only floating national park located on the Loktak Lake. The sangai is also a major symbol of the local Meitei culture, and the species is heavily featured in local folklore and legends. Killing it is considered unpardonable as it is regarded as the connection between humans and nature. 

Chinese Pangolin

A Chinese pangolin. Image credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters via Wikimedia Commons.

Critically endangered, the Chinese pangolin has lost more than 80% of its population over the past couple of decades, primarily due to poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. Pangolin scales are used in traditional medicines prepared in China and some Southeast Asian nations. Pangolin meat is also consumed in many places across the species' range. Manipur still continues to have a significant population of this highly threatened species. However, they are also hunted there by the locals for domestic meat consumption and also for sale in the black market across the border with Myanmar. Recently, however, good news came in as the efforts of conservation organisations like the Wildlife Trust of India bore fruit. Tribals residing in the three districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, and Kamjong in Manipur pledged not to hunt pangolins. 

Mainland Serow

A mainland serow. Image credit: Melanochromis via Wikimedia Commons.

The mainland serow is a goat-like or antelope-like animal. These animals usually live solitary lives or in small groups. It is a threatened species, labelled as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Serows live in forested habitats, often on rocky and steep slopes with coniferous or broadleaf forest cover. Widespread poaching for meat, horns, and other body parts are one of the biggest threats to the species. Habitat destruction is also another major threat. In Manipur, serows, known as sabeng locally, were once found in large numbers but have a diminishing population now. So, conservationists are working hard to protect the species in the state by promoting community-driven conservation. The Lenglong Village is a great place to spot serows in Manipur, and the village is being developed as a Model Serow Village in the state.

Amur Falcon

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

Amur falcons, the world's longest-travelling migratory birds, arrive in Manipur in large numbers around mid-October. They fly from their breeding grounds in the Far East, northern China, and Mongolia, across India to Africa. In India, amur falcons stay for around a couple of months before proceeding on their journey. The Tamenglong town in Manipur and bordering areas is one of the best places to witness the congregation of these birds in Manipur. Some years back, there was a massive campaign to stop the hunting of Amur falcons in northeast India by the locals. The campaign was hugely successful, and now states like Manipur and Nagaland are hosting Amur falcon festivals to popularise the need to protect these bird guests in India. Recently, two Amur falcons have also been tagged in Manipur by the Wildlife Trust of India to track their migratory movement and record other vital data related to these birds.

Manipur Bush Rat

Illustration of the endangered Manipur bush rat.

The Manipur bush rat is a rodent species endemic to Northeast India. It is also an Endangered species that is threatened with habitat loss and persecution by humans. It occurs in tropical evergreen and deciduous forests at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,300 m.

Bengal Slow Loris

Bengal slow loris with a 6-month-old baby. 

A rare and endangered species, the Bengal slow loris lives in tropical rainforests and is nocturnal and arboreal. It is an efficient pollinating and seed-dispersing agent and is prey for many species. The slow loris is an omnivore and the world's only venomous primate. In Manipur, the slow loris has scattered distribution. According to news reports, it has been spotted in the Ukhrul and Jiribam districts of the state. The slow loris suffers from habitat loss, but capture and killing for the illegal pet trade and traditional medicine preparation have led to the removal of many members of the species from the wild.

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

Jharkhand is often forgotten when it comes talking about wildlife and conservation but the state has great potential for the same as it continues to have rich tracts of wilderness across its territory. Mining, linear infrastructure, lack of public awareness and education about conservation, and a general lag in conservation efforts have resulted in the state not coming to the forefront of conservation. However, it continues to have rich natural resources that are in need of urgent strict protection. Here are seven iconic species of fauna that are found in Jharkhand:

Indian Elephant

An Indian elephant. Image credit: Yathin S Krishnappa via Wikimedia Commons.

Jharkhand is known to house one of the largest elephant populations in north India. Also, it records the highest human-elephant negative interaction cases in the state. Jharkhand is home to 17 elephant corridors where elephants move regularly. Due to habitat loss and degradation, these corridors tend to get fragmented, threatening the well-being of elephants. Mining is rampant in Jharkhand, especially coal mining, which, along with infrastructural projects, is a major cause of habitat loss of the state's elephants. The Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, around 10 km from Jamshedpur, is a forested habitat known to host a significant population of elephants and is a great place to observe them in the wild.

Lesser Adjutant Stork

Lesser adjutant storks nesting. Image credit: ঈশান জ্যোতি বৰা via Wikimedia Commons.

A well-known birder, Mithilesh Dutta Dwivedi, recently discovered a large breeding population of lesser-adjutant storks in the Bokaro District of Jharkhand. A total of 385 birds of this near-threatened species were reported in 14 locations in the district. Other stork species like woolly-necked stork, black-necked stork, painted stork, and Asian openbill stork have also been reported in the state. The lesser adjutant feeds on reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, etc. It builds platform nests on tall trees and usually remains solitary except for the breeding season. They prefer wetland habitats, but in their absence, they are also found in agricultural lands.

Indian Wolf

An Indian wolf. Image credit: Hari K. Patibanda via Flickr.com.

Jharkhand is home to the country's only protected area dedicated to wolves - the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. The sanctuary, part of the Betla National Park, was established in 1976. The wolf numbers in the protected area have gone through many ups and downs, and in 2020, there were 120 wolves in the sanctuary. The Indian wolf is an endangered species that is fast disappearing due to loss of habitat as it is primarily a grassland species, and such habitats are often treated as wastelands in the country. 

Asian Koel

Asian koel -male. Image credit: Lip Kee via Flickr.com.

"Heard but rarely seen" - the Asian koel is the state bird of Jharkhand, and why not? While this bird is quite common across India, Jharkhand has recognised it with this honour as it truly deserves it. The melodious call of the male has always been music to our ears and Jharkhand recognises this natural gift of the Asian koel by honouring it as the State Bird. The male and female koels are dimorphic and remain well hidden in trees. It is a delight to see them during courtship when the male tries to feed fruits to the female. They are largely frugivorous and also exhibit brood parasitism where they lay their eggs in nests of other birds like crows who raise the chicks. This bird can be heard in places in Jharkhand where greenery still survives including green pockets in the capital city of Ranchi. 

Indian Mouse Deer

A mouse deer. Image credit: PJeganathan via Wikimedia Commons.

In 2016, camera traps captured images of the extremely elusive mouse deer in the forests of the Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand. Also called the Indian chevrotain, this species is extremely small in size, hence the name. It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Unlike other ruminants, it has a three-chambered stomach instead of four. It prefers living in forested habitats with thick undergrowth and access to water resources. Instead of antlers, Indian mouse deer have large protruding canines as secondary sexual organs. Because of their small size, they have many predators and hence usually come out in the darkness for foraging and remain hidden in burrows in the undergrowth or hollow tree trunks during the rest of the day. They are primarily solitary in nature.

Indian Python

Indian rock python on a tree branch. Image credit: Pratik Jain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Indian python is a large, non-venomous snake that can grow as much as 9 feet in length. Although they move extremely slowly on land, they are quite agile swimmers. These pythons constrict their prey, suffocate it, and then consume it whole. Loss of habitat, poaching, and lack of conservation efforts threaten this snake which is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. In Jharkhand, there are chances of seeing the Indian python in the Palamu Tiger Reserve and other wilderness areas.

Striped Hyena

A striped hyena. Image credit: Mvshreeram via Wikimedia Commons.

Hyenas can be spotted in some of Jharkhand's protected areas like the Betla National Park and Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary. However, like other parts of its range, hyenas are losing ground in the state due to habitat loss, anthropogenic disturbance and persecution. The striped hyena is the only hyena species found in India and it is a nocturnal animal. It is an important scavenger that helps keep the ecosystem healthy by feeding on carcasses. They are monogamous, where both the male and female bring up the cubs together. They are social animals and less territorial. Often, hyena packs share habitats. They live in rock shelters, caves, burrows, etc.

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

Although Sikkim just covers around 0.2% of India's landmass, it is home to great biodiversity as it is part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot region. Over 550 species of birds, 600 butterfly species, and more than 144 species of mammals are found in this state. Among the most iconic species are the endangered red panda, the gorgeous Himalayan monal and the rare blue duke. Here are seven of Sikkim's most iconic animals:

Red Panda

A red panda. Image credit: Harlequeen from Cambridge, United Kingdom via Wikimedia Commons.

The adorable red panda is the State Animal of Sikkim. It is an endangered species threatened by habitat destruction and poaching but is well-conserved in several protected areas in the state. In Sikkim, you can try your luck at spotting these highly elusive, solitary and largely arboreal animals at the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve, and the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Red pandas prefer steep forested slopes near flowing streams and bamboo cover as they feed extensively on bamboo shoots and leaves as well as fruits and blossoms.

Blood Pheasant

Blood pheasants. Image credit: Dibyendu Ash via Wikimedia Commons.

The bird, the size of a jungle fowl, is named so for the red streaks on its chest. It is the State Bird of Sikkim and is known as “chilimey” in the local Nepali language and "semo" in Bhutia. The blood pheasant forages on the ground and feeds on plant matter like ferns, lichens, pine shoots, etc. The Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a protected area where this bird can be spotted in the state.

Sikkim Pika

A Moupin Pika that closely resembles a Sikkim pika. Image credit: Dibyendu Ash via Wikimedia Commons.

This species was only recently discovered by researchers through genetic studies. It was earlier thought to be a subspecies of the Moupin pika. The Sikkim pika is a rabbit-like animal but without tails. Unlike other mammals of its size found in cold environments, the Sikkim pika does not hibernate but collects hay piles for winter feeding. In Sikkim, the pika is found in subalpine habitats and rhododendrons and bamboo forests at lower elevations. It is a herbivore and lives in burrows dug in the ground. The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim is a great place to spot these pikas.

Blue Duke 

A blue duke butterfly. Image credit: Sandipoutsider via Wikimedia Commons.

On World Environment Day in 2022, the Sikkim government declared the blue duke as the state butterfly. It was a close competition between the blue duke and the Krishna peacock, which the former won. The blue duke's colours, blue and white, are said to symbolise the blue sky and white snow-capped mountains of Sikkim. The blue duke was first recorded in the state in 1858 and is currently protected as a Schedule 2 species as per the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is endemic to the eastern Himalayan region, occurring at altitudes below 1,500 m. In Sikkim, it is common in Yangsum, Tadong, Ranka, Pakyong, Lingee, and Passingdong.

Himalayan Monal

A Himalayan monal on snow. Image credit: AJIT HOTA via Wikimedia Commons.

If you visit the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, you may spot the resplendent Himalayan monal. The bird inhabits the alpine meadows at the sanctuary's high altitudes near the village of Zuluk. Its array of bright colours makes it a favourite of wildlife photographers. However, since it is found in challenging terrains, it cannot be approached easily and must be observed from long distances in most cases. The bird is a vigorous digger that digs into the ground for tubers and roots. It also feeds on insects, seeds, berries, shoots, etc.

Himalayan Goral

A Himalayan goral on a rocky ledge. Image credit: Akhilesh Tambe via Wikimedia Commons.

The Himalayan goral is an ungulate that is well-adapted to live in the mountains. Its brown colour camouflages it quite well in the rocky mountains, where it often rests on rocky ledges during the day. The goral is crepuscular and lives in groups of four to 12. It feeds on leaves and grasses. The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a great destination to look out for these highly agile mountain bovids. It is a near-threatened species suffering from habitat loss and poaching for meat.

Mrs. Gould's Sunbird

Mrs. Gould's Sunbird. Image credit: Mildeep via Wikimedia Commons.

Named after a famous British bird artist, Elizabeth Gould, this sunbird is among India's most colourful birds. Mrs. Gould's sunbird is mostly a resident species that lives in evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests at altitudes of 1,000 to 3,500 m above sea level. The bird feeds mostly on nectar but also occasionally on insects. The bird has been recorded in the The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and other parts of the state.

Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In West Bengal And Where To See Them

From the Himalayas in the north to the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the south and everything in between, West Bengal's varied geography allows a variety of ecosystems to flourish in the state. From Bengal tigers to Indian elephants to fishing cats and much more, the state is blessed with a diversity of wildlife. Here are seven iconic species in the state:

Fishing Cat

A fishing cat. Image credit: Kelinahandbasket via Wikimedia Commons.

West Bengal is known for its fish-loving people, so it is unsurprising that its state animal also loves fish. The fishing cat is an endangered species found in wetlands across the state, but its numbers are fast dwindling. One of the best places to spot these birds is Bagnan in the Howrah district of the state where a group of youngsters are working hard to protect the species from habitat loss, road accidents and persecution by people. Fishing cats are elusive and nocturnal small wild cats, roughly slightly larger than the house cat, and usually found near water bodies. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is another place where one can try their luck at seeing these wild cats.

Bengal Tiger

A Bengal tiger in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal. Image credit: Soumyajit Nandy via Wikimedia Commons.

From the small cat to the big one. West Bengal is also home to the Royal Bengal tiger. While the tiger was formerly found in the forests of North Bengal, now, the population is primarily bound to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. The swamp tigers are as unique as can be. They live on islands covered in dense mangrove forests and swim across the river to other islands in search of food and mates. What is most interesting about these tigers is that humans are part of their prey base. When people enter tiger territory, often illegally, tigers also take the opportunity to hunt them. They are apex predators on land in the Sundarbans. There are boat safaris in the Sundarbans where you can be lucky enough to spot one of these majestic and athletic big cats of the Sundarbans.

Darjeeling Woodpecker

Darjeeling Woodpecker at Singalila National Park, West Bengal, India. Image credit: Ajit Hota via Wikimedia Commons.

When a bird has Darjeeling in both its common and scientific name, the Dendrocopos darjellensis, it definitely deserves mention on this list. It is a beautiful bird sporting several colours and is found in forests and shrublands in the Himalayas. The Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling District is a great place to spot this bird.

Saltwater Crocodile

A saltwater crocodile in the Sundarbans. Image credit: Fabian Roudra Baroi via Wikimedia Commons.

While the Sundarbans has tigers on land, it also has gigantic crocodiles in its waters. Sundarbans occur at the delta of the Ganga River as it enters the Bay of Bengal. The brackish water here supports a large population of saltwater crocodiles, the largest living reptiles! They can weigh as much as 1,000 to 1,500 kg! These crocodiles stay quiet in the waters, waiting to ambush their prey. Once it attacks, it rolls its prey underwater and, drowns it, and then swallows it. In the Sundarbans, there are several cases of humans being attacked by these crocodilians. You can watch these crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy banks as you cruise along the mangroves in the Sundarbans.

Indian Elephant

Wild elephants grazing at Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal. Image credit: Jonoikobangali via Wikimedia Commons.

West Bengal houses a significant population of these gentle giants. Safaris through the forests of North Bengal, like Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara, offer great opportunities to spot wild herds of these elephants. West Bengal also houses one-sixth of the elephant corridors in India, with 26 corridors, including 15 in the northern part of the state and the rest in the south. A total of around 700 elephants reside in the state. Non-forested human-dominated landscapes and linear infrastructure like highways, railway lines, canals, etc, disrupt elephant movement through these corridors. Thus, much work must be done to ensure a safe passage to West Bengal's elephants.

Brown-winged Kingfisher

A brown-winged kingfisher. Image credit: Allan Drewitt via Flickr.com.

When talking about West Bengal, its fish-loving people and fishing cats, we must also mention the kingfishers. While the white-throated kingfisher is the State Bird of West Bengal, the state is also home to many other species of kingfishers, like the brown-winged kingfisher. One of the best places to observe them is the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, which is a great birdwatching spot with over 428 species of resident and migratory birds recorded there. Among them is the brown-winged kingfisher, a near-threatened species. It is a chunky bird with an orangish neck, scarlet beak, and dark brown wings and, hence, is a photographer's delight.

Indian Wolf

An Indian wolf. Image credit: Dhaval Vargiya via Wikimedia Commons.

The industrial town of Durgapur is known for its major steel plants, but this heavily industrialised region also has a mysterious side to it. Around this town and its rivers are wild patches of grasslands and forests that are home to some of the most elusive wild canids - the Indian grey wolf. They are called the "ghost of the grasslands" and are nocturnal and elusive in nature. Camera trap photography has shown several packs of wolves roaming along the city's outskirts, but their numbers are believed to be dwindling due to urban expansion. The Indian wolf is an endangered species, and protecting them in their habitat in Durgapur is extremely important.