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

Bihar, one of the oldest cultural regions of India, is not only known for its rich history but also for its diverse wildlife. Its forests, wetlands, grasslands, and rivers provide habitats for a wide variety of wild animals. The state is home to important protected areas such as Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, which safeguard rare and endangered species. Below are seven notable wild animals of Bihar and the regions where they are found.

Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

The Indian tiger. Image credit: Derrick Brutel via Flickr.com.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is the most iconic wild animal of Bihar. Valmiki Tiger Reserve, which borders Nepal's Chitwan National Park, is the only tiger reserve in the state. The tiger plays a critical role as a top predator in the ecosystem. With rising conservation efforts, tiger numbers have shown improvement in this reserve. The tiger reserve is now home to around 54 tigers.

Where to see: Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran district.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

 A male gharial. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia Commons

The gharial, a critically endangered crocodilian, is known for its long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish. Male gharials have an earthen pot-shaped projection towards the end of their snout, which gives the species its name of "gharial" as "ghara" in the local language refers to a pot. The gharial is found in Bihar's riverine habitats and is an important indicator of freshwater ecosystem health. It is susceptible to pollution and other anthropogenic disturbances in its aquatic ecosystem and hence, is on the verge of extinction. 

Where to see: Parts of the Gandak River 

Peacock Pansy Butterfly (Junonia almana)

A peacock pansy butterfly. Image credit: Joydeep via Wikimedia Commons.

The Peacock Pansy is one of the most beautiful butterflies of Bihar, recognizable by its striking orange wings decorated with eye-like spots resembling a peacock's feathers. As a pollinator, it plays a key ecological role in maintaining plant diversity. Its presence in Bihar reflects the rich insect biodiversity that supports larger ecosystems.

Where to see: Grasslands, gardens, and forest edges across Bihar

Gaur (Bos gaurus)

    A majestic gaur. Image credit: Rahans via Wikimedia Commons.

The gaur, commonly called the Indian bison, is the world's largest bovine and Bihar's state animal. It is easily recognizable with its strong build and distinctive white-stockinged legs. These large herbivores can be seen moving in large herds while grazing in the forest. Sometimes, tigers are known to prey on gaurs. The IUCN Red List classifies the species as Vulnerable. Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to the species.

Where to see: Valmiki Tiger Reserve

White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

A white-rumped vulture. Image credit: Ravi.sangeetha via Wikimedia Commons.

The White-rumped Vulture, once one of the most common scavengers in India, is now critically endangered due to the use of the veterinary drug diclofenac, which poisoned their food supply. These vultures play an essential ecological role as nature's clean-up crew, preventing the spread of diseases by feeding on carcasses.

Where to see: Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

Indian Python (Python molurus)

An Indian python coiled on a log. Image credit: Karunakar Rayker from India via Wikimedia Commons.

The Indian Python is a large, non-venomous snake that can grow up to six meters long. It kills animals by constricting them in its strong grasp, breaking their bones, suffocating them, and then swallowing them whole. Its diet ranges from mammals and birds to other reptiles. These snakes are often found near rivers, swamps, and dense forests of Bihar, but they are threatened by illegal hunting for their skin.

Where to see: Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, wetlands and forests of Valmiki, and areas along the Ganga river basin.

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

A Ganges River dolphin. Image credit: Munshi Abul Barakat via Wikimedia Commons.

The Gangetic Dolphin, also called Susu, is India's national aquatic animal and Bihar's pride. It is a freshwater dolphin that uses echolocation to navigate in murky waters. Bihar, particularly the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur, is one of its strongholds. The species is endangered due to water pollution, dams, and as bycatch in fishing.

Where to see: Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

The 5 Major Rivers Of Himachal Pradesh

The beautiful Beas River flowing through Himachal Pradesh. Image credit: Rajarshi MITRA via Wikimedia Commons.

Northern India's picturesque Himalayan State, Himachal Pradesh, abounds in nature's bounties. Its landscape is replete with lofty, snow-capped peaks, forested sprawling valleys, and many scenic rivers. It is also called the “Land of Rivers” because it is the birthplace of many perennial rivers that arise from the glaciers and are nourished by rainfall. These rivers sustain not only the people of Himachal Pradesh but also large parts of northern India by forming the tributaries of the Indo-Gangetic river system. Apart from their ecological and economic significance, these rivers hold deep cultural and religious value. The major rivers of Himachal Pradesh include the Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Yamuna.

1. The Chenab River

The Chenab River. Image credit: Shoaib tantray111 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Chenab River, locally known as Chandrabhaga, originates from the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul-Spiti region. It is formed by the confluence of two streams—Chandra and Bhaga—at Tandi near Keylong. The Chandra traces its origin to the Chandra Taal Lake, a glacial lake, in the Lahul and Spiti district of the state. The Bhaga traces its origin to glaciers in the same region. Flowing through the rugged terrains, the river then enters the Pangi Valley of the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh from where it enters Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir and later joins the Indus River in Pakistan. The Chenab is vital for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation. Many dams have been built on the river and many are proposed to be built.

2. The Ravi River

The Manimahesh Lake, the source of the Budhil River, a major tributary of the Ravi. Image credit: Truewebsolution photographed by Vinod Rana (vinodrana@truewebsolution.com) via Wikimedia Commons.

The Ravi River rises from the snow-clad Upper Himalayan region in the remote Bara Bhangal area of the Kangra district. It flows westward, carving through the Chamba Valley, which is often referred to as the "Valley of the Ravi." Eventually, it crosses into Punjab before merging with the Chenab in Pakistan. The Ravi is of great historical importance, as it is mentioned in the Rigveda, and it has nourished ancient civilizations in its basin. In Himachal Pradesh, it is also crucial for agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale irrigation.

3. The Beas River

Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. Image credit: Shijoy M Mathew via Wikimedia Commons.

The Beas River originates from the Beas Kund, a glacial lake in the Pir Panjal Range near the Rohtang Pass in the Kullu district. Flowing through scenic valleys like Kullu and Mandi, it is one of the most significant rivers of Himachal Pradesh. The Beas merges with the Sutlej River in Punjab, India. Known for its mythological association with the sage Vyas, after whom it is named, the river supports agriculture, tourism, and hydroelectric power in the state. The Pong Dam Reservoir on the Beas is a major water storage project that benefits irrigation and fisheries.

A beautiful blog on the Beas Kund Trek

4. The Sutlej River

Sutlej through the forests in the Himalayas Himachal Pradesh India. Image credit: Darshan Simha via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sutlej River or Satadru is the longest river in Himachal Pradesh and one of the most important. Originating from the glacial lakes in the Lake Rakshastal catchment area at the foot of Mount Kailash and near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, it enters India through the Shipki La pass in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Flowing through steep gorges and valleys, it passes through districts like Shimla, Kinnaur, and Bilaspur before entering Punjab in India and crossing the border into Pakistan. The Sutlej hosts several major hydroelectric projects, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Nathpa Jhakri Project, which are vital for power generation and irrigation in northern India.

5. The Yamuna River

The Yamuna River flowing throught Himachal Pradesh. Image credit: Pinakpani via Wikimedia Commons.

Though the Yamuna River flows largely through other states, its tributaries originate in the southeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Sirmaur district. Rising from the Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand, the Yamuna forms the eastern boundary of Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand. Its tributaries, such as the Giri and Tons rivers, play an important role in supporting the agricultural lands of Himachal. The Yamuna basin is also culturally revered in Indian tradition and mythology.

The rivers of Himachal Pradesh are not just geographical features but lifelines that shape the state’s economy, ecology, and culture. They provide water for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower generation, while also attracting tourists to the scenic valleys through which they flow. Moreover, their mythological and spiritual significance further enriches their importance in the cultural fabric of India. Preserving these rivers from pollution, unplanned construction, and climate change impacts is essential to ensure that they continue to nurture both Himachal Pradesh and the vast plains of northern India.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) And The Kedarnath Disaster In India

On June 17, 2013, a major disaster struck one of the country's most sacred destinations - the holy pilgrimage site of Kedarnath. The town was almost washed away, with thousands drowned, injured, and many gone missing in the raging floodwaters that swept through the town. The cause of this disaster was a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) involving the Chorabari Lake. The frightening news is that scientists predict that the chances of such GLOFs will rise in the future, primarily due to global warming-induced climate change.

Here is a detailed post on the term and how and why such events can multiply in the future.

What Is A Glacial Lake?

A glacial lake is one whose formation is associated with a glacier or glacial activity. Most glacial lakes are formed when glaciers retreat and leave behind the meltwater filling the depressions eroded by glacial activity over time. Depending on how the natural dams that withhold water in the lakes are formed, such lakes can be moraine-dammed, ice-dammed, bedrock-dammed, or landslide/avalanche dammed.

The Lake That Died

The Chorbari Lake was a moraine-dammed glacial lake of untamed beauty at the foot of the Chorabari Glacier in Uttarakhand, India. It was located at an elevation of 3,960 m, about 2 km upstream of Kedarnath, and was part of the Mandakini river basin.

The lake, glacial in origin, formed from meltwater at the mouth of the Chorabari Glacier. However, over time, it became cut off from the glacier as the glacier retreated due to warming temperatures induced by climate change. Deposits between the lake and the glacier further isolated it. A moraine at the end of the lake, deposited in the past due to glacial activity, acted as a natural dam holding the lake's waters in place. The lake had a length of 250 m and a width of 150 m and was around 15 to 20 m deep. Rainwater and snowmelt then became the water source in the Chorabari Lake, whose water volume varied with seasons and changing precipitation levels each year. 

Another interesting fact about the lake is its connection with Mahatma Gandhi. A part of his ashes was immersed in the lake's waters, giving it the name Gandhi Sarovar. Because of this association with Gandhi, people would often trek to see the lake.

The Fateful Day

In June 2013, Uttarakhand received incessant rainfall, which was estimated to be 375% of what it normally receives during that time of the year. The rainfall caused the Chorabari glacier to melt in places and become unstable. The Chorabari Lake was already filling up with rainwater, which put immense pressure on its natural moraine embankment. The lake's level rose by 7 m or 23 feet during this time!

On June 17, an avalanche in the glacier triggered by incessant rain caused the ice with rocks and other debris to slide into the Chorabari Lake. This sudden rise in volume was too much for the moraine dam. It crumbled and the entire lake emptied itself downstream, carrying with it around 262 million litres of water, massive boulders, and other debris. Within 5 to 10 minutes, the Chorabari Lake was empty. The lakewater entered the Mandakini, swelling it up and lashing its fury on the towns that lay below.

Over 6,000 people died, and many went missing forever. Of course, there is no mention of the many animals that were wiped out as well. 

The Beginning Of The End?

In the aftermath of the disaster, Kedarnath was secured by a three-tiered wall behind the temple, strengthened embankments of the Mandakini River, and then rebuilt. 

The Chorabari Lake died—today, it is just a trickle of water flowing through the broken embankment area. Scientists predict that it will take at least a century before the lake fills up with water again. This will only happen if the embankment is plugged again by some event like a major landslide or avalanche. 

Despite this threat being eliminated, other lakes in the region could burst in the future as more and more new such lakes are to form as glaciers retreat and leave them behind. 

The root cause behind all this is global warming-induced climate change. It is causing glaciers to retreat and unpredictable weather events like excessive rainfall and snowstorms to become more common. 

So, while the Kedarnath Valley is safe from the Chorabari Lake for now, GLOF's related to other lakes, river flooding due to excessive rainfall, major avalanches, and earthquakes all threaten the future of this popular pilgrimage site.

Hence, it is important for authorities to reduce the anthropogenic impacts on the valley as much as possible to ensure that any future disasters have minimal impact on lives.

Not just the Kedarnath Valley but the entire stretch of the Himalayas is currently facing the risk of a GLOF. Millions of lives are at risk. As people worldwide contribute to climate change, the world as a whole will be responsible for such tragic events in the coming times.

Read more:

https://dialogue.earth/en/climate/death-of-chorabari-lake/

https://eos.org/articles/millions-in-india-vulnerable-to-glacial-lake-floods

10 Animals Found In The Chambal River

The Chambal River is simply incredible. There is no river like it in terms of mystery, history, and biodiversity. The river, said to be cursed by Queen Draupadi and haunted by notorious dacoits, is today home to many species of highly threatened wildlife. Ten of these have been mentioned below.

Gharial

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) male, Chambal River, UP, India. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia Commons.

Of course, the world's most threatened crocodilian is the flagship species of the Chambal. The river is home to over 80% of the population of this species. The gharial is critically endangered and endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It has been wiped out from more than 90% of its historical range as it is susceptible to water quality changes and riverine ecosystem disturbances. Hence, it is a good indicator species for detecting changes in the health of the aquatic ecosystem it inhabits. Gharials are primarily fish-eating reptiles and are hardly known to attack people. Males of this species possess an earthen pot-like (called 'ghara' in the local language) protrusion at the tip of their snouts, giving the species its name, "gharial."

Indian Skimmer

Indian skimmers skimming through the waters in search of food. Image credit: The Belurs via Flickr.com.

The Indian skimmer, an endangered bird that now breeds only in India, has Chambal as its last stronghold. The bird is beautiful in appearance with a striking orange bill with yellow tips. The lower mandible is longer than the upper one and is used to skim fish from the water while flying close to the water's surface. This bird lays eggs in scraped-out nests in the sand in sand bars of the Chambal River. These nests are highly vulnerable to changes in water level. Hence, when dams along the Chambal suddenly release water, it might drown the nests of these skimmers. If the water level is too low due to dry and hot weather, such sand bars can get connected to the bank, allowing predators, cattle, and people to access the nesting area, leading to the death of chicks due to predation or trampling of the nests. Illegal sand mining also threatens the riverine ecosystem on which these birds depend.

Mugger

A mugger crocodile walking towards the Chambal River. Image credit: Arjun Bharioke via Wikimedia Commons.

The mugger crocodile, a vulnerable species, also thrives in the Chambal River. It is a mid-sized, broad-snouted crocodilian found in freshwater systems like rivers and lakes. It is widely distributed across freshwater ecosystems in India and is sometimes responsible for attacks on humans. Though more resilient than the gharials, this species is also susceptible to disturbances in the ecosystem. 

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle

An adult male red-crowned roof turtle in the National Chambal Sanctuary. Image credit: Hari arcw via Wikimedia Commons.

This critically endangered species, endemic to South Asia, also relies on the Chambal River for its survival. During the breeding season, males of this species get a red, blue, and yellow colouration on their heads. This turtle is threatened by river damming, pollution, death as a result of bycatch in fishing nets, poaching for eggs and meat, sand mining, and more.

Black-bellied Tern

Black-bellied tern at the National Chambal Sanctuary in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Image credit: Godbolemandar via Wikimedia Commons.

A beautiful bird, this species is identified by its black belly and deeply forked tail. It is found near major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, with the Chambal being a significant breeding ground. Like the Indian skimmer, this bird nests on the sand and faces similar threats. 

Ganges River Dolphin

A Ganges river dolphin. Image credit: Munshi Abul Barakat via Wikimedia Commons.

Another fast-disappearing riverine species, the Ganges river dolphin, is also found in the Chambal River. This endangered species is the "National Aquatic Animal" of India. The species is heavily threatened by habitat fragmentation, bycatch fishing deaths, poaching, river pollution, disturbance caused by navigation, and more.

Smooth-coated Otter

Smooth-coated otters. Image credit: Mprasannak via Wikimedia Commons.

Their mischievous acts are a pleasure to watch along the river's banks. These otters are intelligent, social animals that hunt, groom, and play along the Chambal. The vulnerable species is threatened by pollution, habitat loss, poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Sarus Crane

Sarus crane pair. Image credit: Ad031259 via Wikimedia Commons.

Regarded as symbols of marital bliss, the sarus cranes are much loved and revered. They form long-lasting mating pairs, with one partner known to mourn the death of the other. These birds are also elegant in appearance and are the tallest among the flying birds. They have a greyish body with a deep red patch covering their neck and head. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The bird is found in the wetlands along the Chambal River. 

Three-striped Roofed Turtle

Three-striped roofed turtle in the National Chambal Sanctuary. Image credit: Hari arcw via Wikimedia Commons.

Like the red-crowned roofed turtle, this critically endangered species finds its last hope in the Chambal. In the river, the species' distribution is now highly limited to only around a 100 km stretch. In 2018, 500 nests of the species were detected in the Chambal.

Indian Wolf

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

In 2024, good news came in when the Indian wolf was spotted on a camera trap in the National Chambal Sanctuary after a gap of over two decades! It was spotted at the Etawah-Agra border. An endangered species, the Indian wolf had become rarer to spot over time in the country due to a severe decline in numbers. Hope its population in Chambal stabilises and thrives in the scrub jungles and ravines along the river's banks.

11 Primates Found In Northeast India

Northeast India is still one of the country's wildest, greenest, and most picturesque regions. It is also brimming with life forms of all kinds living across its many ecosystems. Northeast India is especially famous for its primate diversity, housing 11 of the 24 primate species found in the country. Here is a list of these 11 species. Make sure to travel to this part of India to tick off as many of these primates as possible from your list of species to see!

Capped Langur - Vulnerable

A capped langur female with a baby in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam, India. Image credit: Krunal Desai - Wildlife Photography via Wikimedia Commons

A beautiful primate, the Trachypithecus pileatus is also another species whose distribution in India is limited to the Northeastern states. Outside India, it is found in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China.

The species is highly arboreal and diurnal. Its diet consists primarily of leaves of various plant species. It occurs in a variety of forests, including subtropical, broadleaved, and bamboo. Large-scale habitat loss threatens the capped langurs in India. Jhum cultivation, monoculture plantations, logging, etc., destroy their forests. The species is thus listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Assamese Macaque - Near Threatened

An Assamese macaque. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp via Wikimedia Commons.

The Assamese macaque or Macaca assamensis is a Near-Threatened species found in the Himalayas, from Uttarakhand to Nepal, Bhutan, and the Northeast Indian states. Its eastern range stretches from Bangladesh to parts of China and Southeast Asia. The macaque lives at elevations between 200 m and 3,000 m. The species is omnivorous and diurnal. It prefers living in dense primary forests. It spends time on both trees and the ground. In northeast India, the major threats to the species are deforestation and hunting despite the species being protected by law. Some superstitious beliefs, like the use of the skulls of these monkeys as an "evil eye protector" in front of homes, have led to their killing by the locals.

Stump-tailed Macaque - Vulnerable

A stump-tailed macaque at the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam, India. Image credit: Rohit Naniwadekar via Wikimedia Commons

In India, this primate species, Macaca arctoides, is found only in the northeastern states. Its range extends eastwards into China and parts of Southeast Asia. Its elevation range is from 50 m to 2,800 m.

The stump-tailed macaque is an omnivore. It is a diurnal species that spends around 80% of its time feeding. It prefers living in dense tropical forests but can also adapt to living in secondary forests and forests near human habitation. It is known to be a good swimmer but prefers a terrestrial life.

In northeast India, jhum cultivation or slash-and-burn cultivation is a major threat to its habitat. Hunting is also another threat where the animal is treated as a pest and killed.

Northern Pig-tailed Macaque - Vulnerable

A northern pig-tailed macaque female with child. Image credit: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), via Wikimedia Commons

A Vulnerable species, the Macaca leonina, is another species found in only the Northeast of India. Its range extends further east into Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It inhabits elevations from 50 to 2,000 m. These monkeys feed on plant parts but are mainly frugivorous. They are highly arboreal and come down to the ground when crossing forest gaps or for foraging in crop fields. They inhabit tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Like the other species on this list, deforestation and hunting also threaten the northern pig-tailed macaque.

Arunachal Macaque - Endangered

Arunachal macaque on a camera trap in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Nandini Velho via Wikimedia Commons.

A newly described species, the Macaca munzala, is designated as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is believed to be endemic to Arunachal Pradesh in India. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including degraded broadleaf and scrub forests, farmlands, and conifer forests. It is found close to human habitations and seems relatively tolerant of humans. The major threats to this species are its limited distribution, persecution by humans, and loss of habitat. There are only about 200 to 250 mature individuals of this species.

White-cheeked Macaque - Endangered

A white-cheeked macaque peeping out from the trees in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Image credit: Dibyendu Ash via Wikimedia Commons

This primate species, Macaca leucogenys, also has a limited distribution. It is found in India and China. In India, it is found only in a small part of Arunachal Pradesh. It is found at elevations ranging from 1300 to 2,700 m. As per IUCN, it is found in tropical forests, evergreen broadleaved forests, and mixed broadleaved coniferous forests. Hunting and habitat loss due to jhum cultivation and cardamom plantations threaten the species in India. It is an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List.

Golden Langur - Endangered

Golden langur female and child in a forest in Assam. Image credit: Krunal Desai - Wildlife Photography via Wikimedia Commons.

This endangered primate, the Trachypithecus geei, is found only in Assam in northeastern India and parts of the neighbouring country of Bhutan. The species is found across various forest habitats in the region at elevations ranging from 50 to 3,000 m above sea level. It is an arboreal, diurnal, and folivorous animal. While much of its diet is composed of leaves, it also feeds on other plant parts. Loss of habitat is a significant threat, as in the case of all other species described on this list.. Some animals also die due to electrocution and feral dog attacks.

Phayre's Leaf Monkey - Endangered

A Phayre's leaf monkey in Tripura, India. Image credit: Kamrul via Wikimedia Commons.

Found in the Indian states of Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura, and neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Trachypithecus phayrei. The primate lives in primary and secondary tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and mixed deciduous forests at higher elevations. It is an arboreal and diurnal species. It primarily feeds on plant leaves. Loss of forests to tea estates, rubber plantations, monoculture, human settlements, etc., is a major threat. The species is also hunted for meat and its "gallstones" are used in traditional medical preparations. Due to low numbers and less widespread distribution, the Phayre's Leaf Monkey is designated as Endangered by the IUCN.

Bengal Slow Loris - Endangered

A Bengal slow loris with a baby. Image credit: Wikimedia.com.

The only venomous primate on this list, the Nycticebus bengalensis is unique in all regards. It is a nocturnal primate. It is an omnivore but feeds primarily on plant exudates like nectar. In India, it is found in only the Northeastern states, while its range extends further eastwards into Southeast Asia. It is found in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and mixed deciduous forests. The Bengal slow loris suffers from habitat destruction and hunting. It is hunted for the use of its body parts in traditional medicine and for meat.

Western Hoolock Gibbon - Endangered

A female hoolock gibbon in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam, India. Image credit: Krunal Desai - Wildlife Photography via Wikimedia Commons.

The Hoolock hoolock is found in India's Assam and the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is regarded as India's only ape. It is a highly arboreal species that is found in forested habitats. It hardly comes down to the ground. Hence, deforestation is a major threat to the species. Its diet primarily consists of fruits and leaves.

The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam near Jorhat is dedicated to conserving this species. However, despite the protection, the sanctuary itself is threatened by encroachment, a railway line cutting through it, and possible oil exploration in the area. 

Rhesus Macaque - Least Concern

A rhesus macaque. Image credit: Charlesjsharp via Wikimedia.com.

The only "Least Concern" species on this list, the Macaca mulatta has emerged quite unscathed from the dire forces that have endangered the lives of all the other primates featured here. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, numbering thousands. Its ability to adapt to living in human-dominated areas has allowed it to thrive. It is omnivorous in nature with a wide diet base ranging from fruits and leaves to garbage dumps and foods donated by people.