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Leisure Image by Sarvaswa Tandon, Unsplash The beauty of Ladakh is not expressible in words. However, don't miss these places to visit while in Ladakh. Leh Palace | Nubra Valley | Alchi Monastery | Lamayuru Monastery | Pangong Lake | Magnetic Hill | Hemis Monastery Ladakh, "Land of High Passes", is a destination of unparalleled natural beauty, home to some of the most striking landscapes and cultural diversity. The Ladakh region is one of the world's most isolated regions. Towering mountains and harsh terrain acted as natural boundaries around it. This has helped preserve a unique culture and way of life, including its language, customs, architecture, music, and artwork. The Himalayan peaks here are among the highest in India, offering dramatic views of incredible mountain passes, glacial lakes and traditional architecture. The endlessly fascinating Nubra Valley is a unique habitat for migrating Siberian Ibex and other wild animals. It is ideal for adventure tourists who want to experience striking landscapes and glimpse rare wildlife. Multitudes of natural and cultural attractions make Ladakh a tourist's dream. While Zanskar offers a glimpse of an ancient culture, it is an oasis of tranquillity, serenity and spiritual purity. Leh is the modern and dynamic face of Ladakh, and Kargil is a green-golden valley with a refreshing climate. Kargil's natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, and verdant valleys are a sight to behold. Leh Travel Information Leh is an ancient city in the Himalayan mountain range of India. It is located at an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level. Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and a picturesque lake, Leh has long been a popular tourist destination. Leh is known for its rich heritage and historical monuments. The old town of Leh has many ancient Buddhist monasteries that date back to the 7th century. Leh is also famous for its festivals. For example, the Thukpa Festival occurs between August and September. This festival celebrated the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated across the entire region. Zanskar Travel Information Zanskar, this region is also known as the land of Monasteries and Lamas, as it houses stunning monasteries and beautiful lamaseries. Zanskar valley is a 3-hour ride from Leh. Zanskar offers a glimpse of an ancient culture, where nature resonates with the clashing of invocation bells and chanting mantras. Its temples, magnificent monasteries, beautiful villages, the mystical Zanskar River, tributaries, and pristine natural panoramas have attracted tourists worldwide. Kargil Travel Information The beautiful and majestic city of Kargil is located in a valley in the Ladakh region of India. Here you will enjoy the snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and blue lakes, but an extreme climate makes this valley one of the most challenging places to travel. You can also visit the famous Drass valley. Drass is a valley in Kargil. It lies between two mountain ranges, the Pir Panjal Range and the Zanskar Range. Image by Khush Patel, Unsplash Leh Palace It was the king's residence and royal palace overlooking Leh city. King Sengge Namgyal build this palace primarily using stone and wood. Leh Palace contains many artefacts of religious and historical importance. The palace was restored several times since its construction. Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Built into the dramatic mountains of Ladakh, it is a historic site that keeps traditions alive with its well-preserved culture. The gompa is located on a hill and faces east, overlooking the Indus River hundreds of meters below.The monastery has some exquisite frescoes and fearsome masks that have been preserved over the ages. Image by Vikas Anand Dev, Unsplash Pangong Lake The Pangong Lake is located on the border of India and China, earning it its fame because of its astonishing beauty. The lake extends to almost 160km, with one-third of the lake on Indian land and two-thirds on Chine. The blue-coloured water of Pangong Lake is in stark contrast with the arid mountain landscape. The lake's water appears to be dyed a bright blue, resulting from minerals found in the lake bed. It is the world's highest saltwater lake. Hemis Monastery Hemis monastery is home to one of the most revered Buddhist sects in Ladakh. The ancient architecture and the elaborate wall paintings is a truly enlightening experiences. The architecture of the monastery is unique and different from other Tibetan buildings. It was designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The building was built in three stories. The ground floor contains the library, kitchen, and dining hall. The second floor houses the meditation rooms. The third floor is where the monks live. Image by Hans Jurgen Mager, Unsplash Nubra Valley It is home to the Diskit Monastery, where monks have resided for over a thousand years and the Hunder Sand Dunes, which stretches for miles and provide a stunning view of the Himalayan Mountains. With its rolling dunes and striking panoramas of the surrounding mountains, the valley of Nubra is the perfect place to take a Double-Hump Camel ride that lets you explore the wilderness. If you're feeling more adventuresome, you can take a dip in the stream and sit by the river to enjoy the sunset reflection in the water. Magnetic Hill Located 30 km from Leh in the Himalayan Mountains, Magnetic Hill is a gravity-defying phenomenon that draws visitors from all around the globe. The mysterious magnetism pulls cars up an invisible slope and then back down again. It makes for a fun experience, one you wouldn't want to miss when visiting Leh. Alchi Monastery The monastery is built on a large plateau that rises abruptly from the surrounding valley floor. The plateau is surrounded by cliffs and mountains, making this location ideal for isolation and solitude. It is the oldest and largest of all gompas in Ladakh and has the most elaborate structure. The walls, the pillars and the stupas of the monastery are adorned with exquisite wall paintings.

Leisure Celebrations | Key Activities of Pushkar Mela | How to Reach Introduction Pushkar Mela is a festival that takes place once a year in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. This festival is celebrated for five days at the end of the month of Kartik (October/November) each year. The Pushkar Mela attracts thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad. The Pushkar temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god of the Hindu religion. From Kartic Ekadashi to Kartic Purnima, these five days are especially auspicious and celebrated grandly in Pushkar. The temple attracts thousands of Hindu devotees who perform various rituals and pray to the lord. There are many temples around Pushkar Lake. There are 1000+ temples with incredible architecture. For such a small place, it is a significant number. The lake has 52 ghats with different characteristics. Watching Sunset from Pushkar Ghat is a scene you would not like to miss. The people of Rajasthan are famous for their warm hospitality and love of their cattle. They admire every creation and treat their cattle like family members. Traditionally, this fair is known for the camel trade. Here people come together to sell and buy their camels. However, in recent years, the number of camels has reduced significantly. In addition, some unique kinds of competitions are celebrated in this fair, such as moustache length competition, camel beauty pageant etc. What to do in Pushkar Mela The Pushkar Mela is famous for its colourful and vibrant atmosphere. There are diverse types of visitors to the Pushkar Melas. Some come here for religious pursuits, while others come just for joy. Photography enthusiasts love visiting the Pushkar Mela because they get to capture some amazing pictures. Perhaps this place becomes the densest population of the photographer during the festival. The entire city comes alive with people dressed in their traditional clothes. Festival time has its own charm. This festival provides a unique opportunity to witness the rich culture of this region. However, during other times of the year, Pushkar will offer a different mood and tranquil experience of Rajasthan. Some of the must-visit places are Pushkar lake and Bramha Temple, apart from this Savitri temple, Man Mahal, Pap Mochan Temple, Apteshwar Temple, Old Rangi Temple, etc. ​ Hot air balloons will give you bird’s eye perspective of Pushkar lake and its surroundings. However, your drone can also capture the scene, but in that case, you will miss the feeling. On the other hand, camel safari and jeep safari in nearby dunes are very popular among tourists. At this fair, you will get excessive combinations of snakes, mostly local, but because of current global visitors, you will get cuisine from all corners of the world. How to Reach Pushkar Jaipur Airport is 150 km away. You either take a bus or cab from the airport based on your preferences. Pushkar can also be reach by train, and the nearest station is Ajmer. From Ajmer shared vehicles, buses are available. You can also book private cars of your choice.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Sarangib, Pixabay Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Indian Giant Squirrel The Indian Giant Squirrel is a large rodent species that is native to India. It's a type of tree squirrel, but with more colours and a larger size than the typical tree squirrel. The Malabar Giant Squirrel is also another common name for this species. The Indian Giant Squirrel is largely arboreal in nature, and it spends a significant amount of its time in the branches of trees. It is most commonly seen in tropical rainforest environments. They are mostly found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Central Indian Forests and in North-East India. The Indian Giant Squirrel is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, The Indian Giant Squirrel's population is decreasing due to the loss of its habitat environment. It is the state animal of the Indian state of Maharashtra, where it is also known as the 'Shekru'. Scientific Name of Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica Physical Description of Indian Giant Squirrel The Indian Giant Squirrel is one of the largest squirrels in the world. Its tail is considerably longer than its overall body length. While the average size of the body is 10-18 inches, the tail can be as long as 16-24 inches depending on the subspecies. It is this lengthy tail that aids in the maintenance of balance when moving. The Indian Giant Squirrel weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg. They has the ability to jump up to 7 metres between trees. This animal has three different colour schemes on its coat. Their colour patterns are found in various shades including black, red, and a wide range of shades of these two colours. Their underbodies are white and again there are a wide variety of shades, as well as white or cream-coloured limbs. The animal has pink lips and a pink nose on its face along with rodent-like hairs. They have strong claws that allow it to grab tree branches securely, and a robust jaw with sharp incisors that allows it to consume hard nuts and fruits. Life Cycle of Indian Giant Squirrel It is estimated that an Indian Giant Squirrel has a lifespan of 20 years in captivity, but that it has a shorter lifespan in the wild due to predators. The mating season for this species is between October and February. During the whole breeding season, the male squirrel stays with the female squirrel. It takes 28 to 35 days for a female to conceive a child (average gestation period). Between 2 and 3 young are born in a single litter. The Malabar Giant Squirrel prefers to build its nests on taller trees to escape being attacked by predators. Using leaves and twigs, it constructs spherical nests on top of the trees. To prevent huge predators from reaching their nest, the Indian Giant Squirrel typically constructs their nest in thin branches. Each Squirrel constructs several nests, each with its own set of necessities, such as resting, nursing, and so on. Characteristics of Indian Giant Squirrel The Indian Giant Squirrel is typically solitary, however, it does occasionally congregate with its partners for extended periods. The Indian Giant Squirrel is a fast and agile creature that likes to spend much of its time in the branches of trees. Females are typically 3 cm larger than their male counterparts. The Indian Giant Squirrel contributes significantly to the balance of the ecosystem by distributing the seeds of the plants it consumes through its excrement, which helps to keep the biosphere in balance. Their length tail also helps to attract partners and threats, other males. Animals of this species are diurnal, which means that they are most active in the early morning and late afternoon; nonetheless, they are continually on the lookout for potential threats. They are extremely vocal, and their calls are quite loud. While on the ground, they fled from the danger; in the tree, however, they merely freeze and attempt to blend in with the surroundings. It camouflages itself by just freezing on the spot to avoid being seen by predators. These are friendly animals which can even be fed by a human hands. Diet of Indian Giant Squirrel They are omnivorous. The Indian Giant Squirrel eats a variety of foods. Fruits, flowers, nuts, tree bark, seeds, insects, and bird eggs are among the foods it consumes. It eats while standing on its back legs and with its hands.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Sahaj Patel, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Langur The term "langur" refers to a variety of Asian monkey species belonging to the Colobinae subfamily. Langurs are diurnal monkeys, meaning they are active throughout the day, and they are arboreal (meaning they live in trees). Langurs are social animals who love to live and move in groups. They prefer to be with their friends and family. They can be found in large numbers in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Alpine forests, dry thorn scrubs, and pine forests are also some of their other common habitats. They have the ability to survive in a wide range of environments and harsh conditions Grey Langurs, Hanuman Langurs, tufted Grey Langurs, and Leaf Monkeys are some of the most common Langur species, with the Grey Langurs being the most prevalent. Langurs are listed as "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Scientific Name of Langur Semnopithecus entellus Physical Description of Langur A Langur can weigh up to 26 kg at its heaviest. Langurs from the northern part of India are larger in size than langurs from the southern part. The average weight, of Langurs are approximately 18 kg. The length of their head and body can range from 51 cm to 79 cm. Their tail, on the other hand, can grow to be up to 100 centimetres in length. When comparison to their bodies, their tails are significantly longer.While walking they uphold their tail in S form. Their lengthy tails assist them in maintaining their balance when hopping around in the forest. A Langur is a grey with a black face as well as ears. Some of them have silvery undertones as well. They have long and powerful limbs. A langur is a quadrupedal animal that can grip objects in its mouth with all four of its limbs. It is because of this skill that they are strong enough to survive on both the ground and in trees. They have a special enzyme in their gut that enables them to break down the cellulose in leaves with relative ease. As a result, they can be found in a variety of habitats across ecosystems. Life Cycle of Langur Naturalists estimate that they can survive for 20 years or more in the wild. The process of gestation might take up to 200 days to complete. In most cases, Langurs only have a single child. The majority of births take place during the night. Infants spend the majority of their time linked to their mothers' chests for at least the first seven days of their lives. Grey or Hanuman Langur babies are born black and eventually turn grey as they grow older. Langurs are quite talkative and playful, especially when they are young. Babies are continually guarded by their mother against other females and males in the habitat. Characteristics of Langur Hanuman Langurs in India are typically found in groups of 20 to 30 individuals, while larger groups of 60 to 70 individuals are also common. The importance of hierarchy in Langur society cannot be taken for granted. In most cases, only one dominant male lives in a group. Other bachelor males either live alone or form all-male troops. Young adult males often challenge the dominant male of the pack. This duel ends with deadly consequences. The infants of other males are killed by a dominant male. When a new male leader takes over the leadership of the group, infanticide is common. Langurs share habitats with humans and are notorious for snatching food. Urban Langurs rely heavily on humans and temples for a big percentage of their food supply. As a result, various troops are continually engaged in rivalry for control of the most advantageous territory. Grey Langurs are highly vocalised, and they use a variety of noises depending on the context. Diet of Langur Langurs are herbivores, which means they eat plants. While living in the forest, they consume a variety of plant materials, including shoots, fruits, roots, bamboo, mosses, grass, and even certain non-plant items such as insect larvae, termite mounds, and other such things. In urban places, they consume practically everything that humans eat. They don't drink much because they acquire their water from the moisture in their meal.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Leon Pauleikhoff, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Jackal Jackals are a small canine breed with close ties to animals such as dogs and coyotes. Jackals are often referred to as the smartest in Animal Kingdom. They are more likely to choose grasslands, semi-arid regions, lands with shrubs and thickets, and savanna for their habitat. Three species of jackals are found today. The Golden Jackal is most widespread, starting from Southern Europe to South Asia. The Black-Backed Jackal is mostly found in Southern Africa and East Africa. The Side-Striped Jackal is found in Southern and Central Africa. In the IUCN list, leopards are categorised under the Least Concern list. The average lifespan of a jackal is around 10 to 12 years. Scientific Name of Jackal The scientific name of the Golden Jackal or Common Jackal is Canis aureus The scientific name of the Black-Backed jackal is Canis mesomelas The scientific name of the Side-Striped jackal is Canis adustus Physical Description of Jackal Adult Golden Jackals are average of 11 kg in weight, whereas Black-Backed are 6 to 10 kgs and Side-Stripes are 6 to 14 kg in weight. Golden Jackals are the most largely built (Adult as 83 cm in length), and Black-Backed is the lightly built type. However, Black-Backed can grow up to 90 cm in length. The size of Side-Striped varies between 70 to 80 cm. Jackal's height can be up to 50 cm. Each species of jackals has a unique defining appearance, which is evident in their names. Black-backed jackals have black hair running all over their back from neck to tail. Golden jackals have a yellow or pale golden coat with hints of brown. Side-striped jackals have a white stripe from the elbow to the hip and black side stripes. The curved canine teeth and long legs make jackals well-prepared for hunting. In addition, jackals can run long-distance at consistent speeds of up to 16 km/hrs. Life Cycle of Jackal Jackals choose their mate for life, and both parents are equally invested in caring for the young. The gestation period varies among jackals from 60 days (Golden Jackal) to up to 70 days (Side-Striped) Jackals feed their pups with their mothers' milk and regurgitated food for around two months. Mother jackals change their dens frequently to safeguard the pups before they mature for hunting, at the age of 6 months. Many jackal pups die before reaching 14 weeks of age, primarily due to predators, such as leopards and tigers. Characteristics of Jackal Jackals are nocturnal and diurnal, meaning that they remain active at all times of the day except for Side-striped jackals, as they are strictly nocturnal animals. Jackals can effectively adapt to changing environments. Jackals are aggressively defensive of their territory from other jackals and use different sounds to communicate with the rest of the pack. Jackals generally live in small packs of around six members and do everything together. Typically, adult pairs form their territory, and all the pack members are from the same family. As a result, a group of jackals can even dominate a full-grown leopard. Jackals mark their territory with urine and faeces. Diet of Jackal Jackals are omnivorous, which means they eat both meat and plants. Jackals have a wide variety of diet menus, including berries, ground-dwelling birds, fruits, reptiles, grass, and animals meats. Jackals are mainly scavengers. They follow bigger predators in the forest to eat off the remains after the hunters have had their fill. Black-Backed are most aggressive among Jackals. They even attack much larger prey than their size. Jackals won't hesitate to scour through human trash to find anything to eat in urban areas.

Wildlife | Mammal Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Spotted Deer Spotted Deer or Chital deer is the most common native deer species in the Indian subcontinent. Spotted Deers are found in numbers in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It is also called Axis Deer or Asiatic Deer. Many predators primarily hunt Spotted Deer as a food source. Because of their gazing habit, this species also control vegetation growth. According to the IUCN Red List assessment, Spotted Deer are categorised as Least concerned. Chital can run up to 65 km / hrs speed Scientific Name of Spotted Deer Axis Axis or Cervus Axis Physical Description of Spotted Deer The Spotted Deer has a reddish-brown coat above and a white underbelly. Both the genders have small white spots on the body, hence named Spotted or Chital. Spotted Deers are sexually dimorphic. Males are significantly larger than females, and only male deers possess antlers. A male adult stands 90 cm - 95 cm at the shoulder, whereas a female can go up to 70 cm. Male chitals can grow up to 6 ft in length. The male Spotted Deer can weigh from 66 kg to 113 kg, while the female Spotted Deer can weigh between 43 kg – and 66 kg. The curved, three-pronged antlers of the Spotted Deer can extend up to 100 cm long. Life Cycle of Spotted Deer The lifespan of a spotted deer can range up to 9 - 13 years in its natural habitat, while they can reach up to 18 to 25 years in captivity. The reproductive activity of Spotted Deer occurs year-round. The average gestation period of Spotted Deer is 210 to 238 days, usually giving birth to one fawn per female. If a fawn dies during the birth year, the mother can breed again to give birth to second fawns. Fawns stay hidden in the bush for about a week, then join the herd. Characteristics of Spotted Deer Often they gaze near trees where monkeys are present. It is mainly because monkeys drop their half-eaten fruits and leaves, and higher positions of money on the tree act as an additional alarm about approaching predators. The Spotted Deer’s predators include lion, tiger, rock python, crocodile, and wild dogs. Most of their predators are active during dawn and dusk. Hence during the high sun, they generally took refuge under shades and relaxed. The Spotted Deer is found in small herds of 20 – 30 individuals. However, packs of 100 or more have also been observed. There are mainly three types of herds. Small family group. The large female group with one or two dominant male, and male bachelor groups. A large herd of a Spotted Deer usually consists of two or more family groups. Therefore, the herd size and members of Spotted Deer do not remain permanent. They have different vocalisations for various situations, such as barking when alarmed, bellowing during the breeding season, and squealing by fawns when separated from their mothers. In a group, members periodically perform active sentry roles. Spotted Deer are not territorial, but males fight over the possession of females. Diet of Spotted Deer They are herbivores with their diet consisting of vegetation and grasses, fruits, and shrubs. Spotted Deer are also observed to ingest their shed antlers. Antlers are high in nutritional value and hence complement their dietary requirements.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Lasitha Kulatileke, Pixabay Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Sloth Bear Sloth Bears, also known as Honey Bear or Bhalu. Sloth Bears inhabit tropical and subtropical India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Sloth Bears are smaller compared to the rest of the Indian subcontinent. Sloth Bear found in a wide range of habitats, including savanna, forest, and sloppy lands. However, they prefer forest areas with high grasslands that provide dense cover. They are slow-moving animals. Sloth Bears have weak sight and hearing senses. However, they have a strong and accurate sense of smell. Sloth bears have been listed on the IUCN’s Red List as Vulnerable. Sloth Bears can run at 30 km /hrs for short duration. Scientific Name of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus Physical Description of Sloth Bear A sloth bear generally grows up to 6 ft in height. An adult male sloth bear weighs between 80 and 140 kg, while the females weigh between 55 and 95 kg. Sloth bears have a black coat with long furs. Sloth Bears are having mane in their face. Sloth Bears have a distinctive yellowish-white or chestnut brown, U or Y shaped patches on their chests. However, Sri Lankan Sloth Bears are not having this mark. The heavy coat helps them to deal with cold climates. Sloth Bears have large paws. Among other species of bears, Sloth Bears have the longest tail. They are the only bear family with hair in their ears. Life Cycle of Sloth Bear Sloth bears live up to 40 years of age. The gestation period of a female sloth bear generally lasts for seven months. Generally two puppies and rare three puppies born together. The young ones are called cubs, and they often ride their mother’s backs. The newborns stay in the den for 2 to 3 months . Offsprings stay by their mother’s side for the first 2 years. After their birth, sloth bears are blind for about 4 weeks. Male bears are not known to participate in parental care. Characteristics of Sloth Bear Sloth bears are nocturnal animals. However they are seen in day time as well, mainly during nursing period. Sloth bears are excellent climbers. But they prefer land over trees. Sloth bears are not known to hibernate; however, they usually have a period of inactivity during the rainy season. Sloth bears are known to emit noisy grunts and snorts. Sloth bears are known to be solitary animals and are seldom found in packs. However, during mating sessions, adult pairs roam together. Sloth Bears mark their territory by paw marks on trees. Sloth Bears become highly aggressive in front of predatory animals like tigers or leopards. In recent days, photography evidence shows an unmatched fight between a mother bear and two tigers. They stand on two legs in a fight and use their front claws as attack weapons. Diet of Sloth Bear Sloth bears primarily feed on ants and termites (myrmecophagy). Sloth bears use their curved, long claws to penetrate nest mounds of ants and termites. Once a hole is opened, sloth bears blow away excess dirt and suck the insects. They keep the soil from getting into their nose through their ability to close them voluntarily. Sloth Bear breaks honeycomb and eats honey. Their long far protects them from honeybees. They also eat leaves, fruits and flowers.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Sarangib, Pixabay Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Indian Wild Ass The Indian Wild Ass is a species of ass that is native to the countries of southern Asia. It is one of the four remaining subspecies of the Asian Wild Ass, and it can only be found in India. Ghudkhur, Khur, or Indian onager are all terms used to describe it in the local language. The Indian Wild Ass, in contrast to its closely related family of donkeys and horses, has not been domesticated despite numerous attempts to do so over the years. These species live in a variety of habitats including wetland ecosystems, deserts, arid grasslands and shrub lands. It was once lived in the provinces of western India, Baluchistan and Sindh Province of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the southern Iranian provinces. They are currently only found in small numbers in India's Rann of Kutch region, which is a flat saline desert with a high salt concentration in the soil. It is one of the fastest mammals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 to 80 kilometres per hour. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as "Near Threatened" (IUCN) Because of conservation efforts, the Indian Wild Ass population has steadily increased over the last several years, and this is expected to continue. Located in the small Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat, India, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary has a total land area of 4,900 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. However, an estimated 35% of the total population of wild ass lives outside of the protected area. There are one more Wild Ass species found in India, Tibetan Wild Ass. This species is found in the Ladakh region. Scientific Name of Indian Wild Ass Equus hemionus khur Physical Description of Indian Wild Ass The Indian Wild Ass has a mule-like appearance. In most cases, it is sand-coloured, but it can also be bluish-grey or pale chestnut in appearance. The animal is distinguished by its erect, dark mane, which extends from the back of its head down its neck and is a distinctive feature of its appearance. However, these manes are much smaller than horses. The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe that runs from the horse's back to the base of its tail, completing the look. Its average weight is 250 kg, and its length is 260 centimetres, with a tail length of 80 centimetres. Male wild asses are significantly larger in size and strength than female wild asses. Life Cycle of Indian Wild Ass The Indian Wild Ass has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. The Indian Wild Ass is a monogamous species that only mate with one female at a time. By staying with the mare (female wild ass) and her foal (offspring) throughout the year, male wild asses are responsible for their care and attention to them. The breeding season for this species takes place between April and October, with an average gestation period of 11 to 12 months. They typically give birth to a single child. Stallion competition for mare attention occurs during the rainy season, and mating occurs during this time. Following the selection of a mating pair, they are separated from the rest of the group. Characteristics of Indian Wild Ass They live in groups of varying sizes, starting from 3 to 10 in numbers. Typically, the group consists of family members only, with mother, baby and subadult males. Male wild asses are solitary and they only live with family for 2 years (mating time to 1 year of offspring). The male asses, also known as stallions, are in charge of leading the herd. While roaming the parched field, they keep ongoing in their search for food. They are particularly, active during daytime only. They use their back legs during the fighting. A wild ass kick can be fatal. Diet of Indian Wild Ass In addition to grass, leaves, and fruits, it also consumes saline desert vegetation and other plant materials. It is a hardy creature that can endure high temperatures and dehydration. The Indian Wild is known to enter paddy and wheat fields in the middle of the night, causing extensive crop damage.

Wildlife | Mammal Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Dhole The Dhole is a wild dog species that is also known as the Indian Wild Dog because of its appearance. Dholes were originally found in Asia, North America, and Europe, where they have become extinct. Now can only found in India, . In India, they can be found in the Central Indian landscape, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and the North-Eastern region of the country, among other places. Dholes are extremely adaptive and can survive in a broad variety of habitats. Depending on their environment. they can live from deep forest to higher elevations, It is estimated that the population of this species has decreased drastically in the last decade, and that it now numbers between 4,000 and 10,000 individuals. Adults, on the other hand, account for only 2200 of this total. Dholes are designated as 'Endangered' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Dholes are extremely social animals which prefer to live in groups. Unlike other social animal species, they rarely engage in violence with other members of their pack. It's even more difficult to figure out who the dominant male is in the pack. Dhole is capable of running at a speed of 45 kilometres per hour. Scientific Name of Dhole Cuon alpinus Physical Description of Dhole Dholes have reddish fur, amber eyes, and erect rounded ears that are upright in the head. Their lower bodies, such as their chests, abdomens, and paws, are a lighter shade of brown than their upper parts. White patches can be seen on the lower parts of their legs. They have a fluffy reddish tail with a darker tip. Males are heavier than females, but both are comparable in appearance. The average weight of an adult male dhole is between 15 and 20 kg, whereas the weight of an adult female dhole is between 12 and 17 kg. They vary in length from 40 to 60 inches, with a tail that can be 10 to 20 inches in length. Dholes can grow to be up to 20 inches tall on average. The convex shape of their craniums distinguishes them from other species. Life Cycle of Dhole Dholes can live for up to 10–13 years in the wild, depending on the environment. The average lifespan of a dhole in captivity is 16 years. Dholes reach sexual maturity at the age of one year and begin reproducing at the age of two to three years. Dhole gave birth to 5 to 10 pups in a single litter after a short gestation period of 60 days. During the first two months following birth, babies are fully reliant on mother's milk. The entire pack contributes to the nursing and regurgitation of food for puppies. The pups are ready to hunt with the rest of the pack after six months. Characteristics of Dhole Dholes are highly social animals that live in a variety of pack sizes. The number of members in the pack ranges from two to thirty. Large pack sizes, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly rare. When they reach adulthood, they have the option of remaining with the pack, starting their own pack, or even joining other packs without having to engage in conflicts or confrontations. A pack may contain one or more breeding females, depending on the size of the group. Their social strength is important to their long-term survival. Dhole lives in close proximity to large animals such as tigers and bears on its territory. A group of Dholes can be quite formidable when acting as a pack. There have also been instances of tigers being killed by a pack. A large territory is controlled by a pack of Dholes. Their area can be as large as 40 sq km, depending on their habitat and food availability. During hunting, Dholes communicate through whistles with other pack members. After hunting, they eat as much as possible, and upon returning to the pack, they regurgitate. Dholes live in underground dens. They have even been known to raid the dens of other species, such as jackals. Their dens are designed with many exits to allow them to flee quickly if necessary. They urinate in a peculiar posture, which is unusual. They urinate by raising both of their back legs at the same time. Diet of Dhole Dholes are carnivores, but they have been recorded eating fruits in some instances. Dholes hunt in packs. Kill size depends proportionately with the pack sizes. Because of their strength in number, they frequently kill much larger animals like Sambar deer as well. An adult Dhole can consume 1 kg of meat in just 4 seconds. The Dholes also snatched prey from the jaws of larger predators.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Brown Tabby, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Jungle Cat The Jungle Cat is a common and abundant species of wild cat. They are also known as swamp cats and are found throughout a large part of the world, from the Middle East to China and South and Southeast Asia. Wetlands, swamps, dense vegetation, and deserts are all possible habitats for these animals. In the desert, they live close to an oasis, to avoid the heat and availability of more prey. Aside from the jungle, these animals can also be found in cultivation fields and close to human settlements. They have successfully adapted to artificial environments such as fisheries, agricultural land, and so on. There are three(3) main subspecies of Jungle Cats that can be found in the wild, and each has its own set of characteristics that are determined by geography. Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian are the subspecies named after locations. Jungle Cats are excellent sprinters, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 km/h over short distances. Jungle cats are listed as "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Scientific Name of Jungle Cat Felis Chaus Physical Description of Jungle Cat Depending on their gender and growth rate, Jungle cats can grow to be between 60 and 75 centimetres in length, Male jungle cats are typically larger than female jungle cats. They can grow up to a height of 36 cm. Compared to their eastern counterparts, the Middle Eastern subspecies is slightly larger. Jungle Cats are available in a variety of colours ranging from sandy yellow to brownish grey. Their legs are striped with light-brown pigmentation. They have a small tail with ring-like colouration and darker tips at the end. Some of the subspecies' ears are pointed upwards, while others are not. They have prominent moustaches like domestic cats. Jungle Cats have claws on all four of their paws, which allows them to climb trees more easily. Jungle Cats are excellent jumpers, with a horizontal jump of 5 to 7 feet being very common. Life Cycle of Jungle Cat According to the various studies, Jungle cats have a 15-year average lifespan in the wild. Irrespective of gender, Jungle Cats are having multiple partners. Their gestation period is 65 days, and they give birth to a litter of 3 to 6 kittens. It takes between 10 to 12 days for kittens to be able to open their eyes after they are born with closed eyes. Mother cats choose isolated locations such as dense bushes, dens, empty tree tanks, or stone cracks for birth and postpartum care, and they keep changing their locations frequently to avoid being preyed upon by predators. The mother cat eats up kitten waste to eliminate body odour and avoid being tracked by predators. During the course of a year, jungle cats can have up to two litters. Kittens are completely reliant on their mothers' milk for the first three months of their lives, and they do not begin to hunt until they are six months old. Characteristics of Jungle Cat Jungle cats are solitary animals that prefer to stay alone. During mating sessions, they are most often found in pairs. However, there have been some instances where the father and kittens have formed a strong bond that has been observed. They have excellent swimming abilities. The Jungle Cats have the ability to hunt for fish in shallow water. Depending on the situation, they make a variety of vocal sounds. Jungle Cats are territorial, and they use urine to mark their territory as a biological marking. The territory of a male cat is usually shared by a number of females. They also rub their face against stones and trees. In this process, they mark the area with their saliva. Jungle Cats are excellent stalkers, and they move in complete silence to avoid attention. They have the ability to jump up to 7 feet vertically to hunt flying birds. The Jungle Cat, like other big cat species found in the jungle, is not nocturnal and prefers to hunt during the day. They are most active in the early morning hours and just before sunset. Diet of Jungle Cat Despite the fact that jungle cats are primarily carnivorous, however, they also consume fruits, which technically qualifies them as Omnivores. They eat almost anything that they can get their hands on. Their diet includes rodents, fish, snakes, hares, and birds, among other things. The majority of the time, however, they are observed with rodent kills. They are also scavenging the carcasses of other large predators. Jungle Cats have also been observed venturing into human settlements in search of discarded food and livestock. Along with land, they hunt in trees and water as well.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Chandra Sekhar, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Striped Hyena Hyenas are not related to either the canine or the cat families. Even though they appear to be dogs, they are more closely related to cats when it comes to evaluation. Interestingly enough, hyenas are so distinct that they have their own family, the Hyaenidae. They are frequently referred to as "jungle cleaners" because of their scavenger food habits. Striped Hyenas can be found in Morocco, Egypt, Arab countries, and India, among some other places. They are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are active at night. The Striped Hyena prefers to live in arid, mountainous areas with scrub woods. They also live in an open savannah with dense grassland, which is a rarity for them. A water source near of their habitat is preferred by these animals. Four different types of hyenas exist today. Striped Hyena, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena, and Aardwolf (or Earth-Wolf, they are actually hyenas found in Eastern Africa). Spotted hyenas, also known as laughing hyenas, are the largest of their cousins and are found in Africa. Hyenas are extremely well-sighted and hear extremely well. The scientific community is divided on their sense of smell. Hyenas are listed as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list. Scientific Name of Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena Physical Description of Striped Hyena In terms of weight, male Striped Hyenas range between 26 and 41 kg, while female Striped Hyenas range between 26 and 34 kg. In general, they measure between 40 and 45 inches in length, with a tail that measures between 12 and 18 inches in length. They can reach a height of 20 to 30 inches at the shoulder when standing. Hyenas have the ability to make themselves appear 30 percent larger by raising their fur to scare away their enemies. Hyenas have a large skull and powerful jaw mussels, which allows them to crash hard bones. They have one of the most powerful jaw forces of any mammal on the planet. Their colour is pale grey, with a black throat fur and stripes on the body and legs. Their heads are broad, with dark eyes and a thick muzzle, and they have a huge smiles. Unlike other animals, their ears are large and pointed. Their front legs are significantly longer than their back legs, resulting in a looping gait that allows them to conserve energy while travelling long distances. Life Cycle of Striped Hyena Striped Hyenas are solitary animals and monogamous creatures. This species has a gestational period of three months. Litters of 1 to 6 cubs can be born during any time of the year, regardless of the season. Puppies are completely defenceless when they are born, and they are unable to even crawl. At birth, they are born with their eyes closed and do not open them until they are one week old. Puppies are completely reliant on milk for the first month or so, after which they gradually begin to consume flesh. Mother hyenas remain in the den to nurse their cubs until they are weaned. The father leaves the den in search of food and returns with it to the den. Babies are cared for by their mothers for almost a year after they are born. In the wild, the average life expectancy is 12 years. In captivity, they can live for up to 20 years at a time. Characteristics of Striped Hyena Striped Hyenas do not mark their territory with urine; instead, they have an anal scent gland that they use to define their territory. In addition to having its distinct scent, each hyena marks its territory with that gland secretion, which is referred to as Hyena Butter. In general, Striped Hyenas are quiet and can move around without making any noise. They make sounds like a human laugh, and it is distinct from other animals' vocalisation. They makes this vocalisation when hyenas are threatened, under attack, frustrated, or attempting to communicate information. Striped Hyenas are typically solitary animals, but they have been observed in small groups of 5 to 7 individuals. They troll relentlessly in search of food sources. They're bodies, designed specifically for long-distance running. Their large heads make it easier for them to carry heavy loads of food. Diet of Striped Hyena Striped Hyenas are known to prey on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates in their natural environment. Striped hyenas are primarily scavengers, and they consume virtually everything. They even consume the decaying flesh of other animals. The high concentration of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs helps them digest carcasses and rotten foods. Striped Hyenas are sometimes hunts small animals as well. They also come to human settlements in search of food scraps to feed their young. There are records of attacks and the killing of livestock on occasion.

Wildlife | Mammal Image by Nam Anh, Unsplash Introduction | Scientific Name | Physical Description | Life Cycle | Characteristics | Diet Introduction of Elephant he elephant is the largest land animal. Current days elephants are found in Africa, India and South-East Asian Countries. Three species of elephants are living now, African Bush elephants, African Forest elephants and Asian elephants. Among these three species, bush elephants are the largest. African forest elephants and Asian elephants are almost the same in size. Elephants are very intelligent animals. They can recognise themself in the mirror. Elephants also have an excellent memory. They remember the exact path, food, and water hole locations during migration. An elephant can run up to 40 km/hrs speed. Scientific Name of Elephant African Bush Elephant: Loxodonta africana African Forest Elephant: Loxodonta cyclotis Indian Elephant: Elephas maximus indicus Physical Description of Elephant African Bush Elephants can be 10 ft tall and up to 8500 kg in weight. The other two species are 8 to 9 ft tall and up to 6000 kg in weight. African elephants have bigger ears, which help them control their body temperature. Among other distinct features, their trunk is a multipurpose organ. It helps them breathe, eat, grab, drink, communicate, etc. Elephant trunks are made of 150000 muscle elements. It is like a hand to them. Elephants can suck up to 10 lt of water in their trunk. They can pick the smallest of the items using their versatile trunk. In African species, both genders have tusk, but in Asian species, it's mainly male who possess it. Tusk can grow up to 6 ft in length, and it's made of ivory. Elephant tusks are incisor teeth. Elephant uses their tusk for their offensive and defensive acts. The high valuation of ivory is the greatest danger to elephants. Poachers kill them for their tusks. Elephants have knees on their back legs only. Elephants have their breast below their front legs, which is completely different compared to other similar species. Life Cycle of Elephant The elephant in the wild lives up to 60 years of age. At the age of 10-12, female elephants become ready for motherhood. Elephants are having most prolonged gestation period ranging from 18 to 22 months. At birth, cubs are 100 kg weight and entirely depend on family for protection. Male elephants can smell the hormone level of females in the air. High hormone levels of male elephants are called Musth. It has been recently observed that young bull elephants kill rhinos and buffalos during the Musth period. During the mating period, fears battles are observed between bull elephants. It continues for days and generally ends with deep wounds or even death. Characteristics of Elephant Elephant society is mother-driven. The oldest female elephant in the herd is the group's de facto leader. The elephant head consists of blood-related females and young males. Adult male elephants stay alone. Elephants communicate with each other using various sounds, such as low-frequency rumbles, trumpets, and even roars. Elephants can hear very low-frequency sounds. Elephants can listen to other elephants even from an 8 km distance. They also observe vibration using their feet. Diet of Elephant Elephants are herbivores. Elephants eat wide variety of vegetations. Grass, bark, fruits, and various other trees are in their diet list. They can drink 200 lt of water at a single time and eat up to 100 kg of food per day.