Mammals of Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Rajaji National Park supports a rich diversity of wildlife across its Sal forests, deciduous forests, Khair-Sissoo woodlands, riverine habitats, grasslands, scrublands and pine forests. The reserve plays an important role in the conservation of Asian Elephants and Bengal Tigers under Project Elephant and Project Tiger, and was notified as a Tiger Reserve in 2015. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements, habitat conditions, season and other natural factors and cannot be guaranteed.

Prime Attractions

  • Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) (500+): Rajaji marks the northern and western-most boundary of the Asian Elephant's range. Protected under Project Elephant.
  • Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) (51+): Conserved under Project Tiger. Rajaji was notified as a Tiger Reserve in 2015.
  • Leopard (Panthera pardus) (250+): Leopards occur across the forest landscape; sightings depend on natural animal movement and cannot be guaranteed.
  • Sloth Bear & Himalayan Black Bear (Rare & Nocturnal): Sloth Bear and Himalayan Black Bear are both recorded in the Rajaji landscape.

Herbivores

  • Chital (Spotted Deer): Abundant across all open meadows and grasslands
  • Sambar Deer: The largest deer in India, frequently seen near forest waterbodies
  • Barking Deer (Kakar): Small, secretive solitary deer renowned for its dog-like alarm bark
  • Goral: Sure-footed mountain goat dwelling on steep rocky cliffs of Gohri
  • Nilgai (Blue Bull): Largest Asian antelope grazing in scrub margins and open plains
  • Wild Boar: Prolific omnivore foraging throughout forest undergrowth
  • Hanuman Langur & Rhesus Macaque: Primates commonly seen along forest tracks
  • Indian Hare & Indian Porcupine: Small mammals recorded in the Rajaji landscape

Carnivores

  • Striped Hyena: Solitary nocturnal scavenger inhabiting dry ravines and caves
  • Jackal: Common pack hunter active in twilight hours
  • Jungle Cat & Leopard Cat: Agile small felines hunting birds and small rodents
  • Yellow-throated Marten: Arboreal mustelid hunting in tree canopies
  • Rusty-spotted Cat: Documented from the wider Rajaji landscape
  • Pangolin: Recorded in the Rajaji landscape