Wild Animals

Wild Animals species in Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park, which is one of the leading and most admired National Parks in northern India and located at the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It is the perfect choice for wildlife tourism in Rajasthan, where the considered that there is best tiger sighting in natural wild habitat. Unique climate and vegetation of Ranthambore have given birth to beautiful dry deciduous forests. It makes easy to see wildlife on the jungle safari. Ranthambore is a rich island of the wild animal species.

There are more than 320 species of birds found in Ranthambore, including both resident and migrant. More than 40 species of mammals and over 35 species of reptiles found in Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore has dry deciduous forest, due to which there are not many species of amphibians in the Ranthambore National Park.

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tiger population. Tiger is major attraction in Ranthambore. Apart from the tiger, many other wild animal species like herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, scavengers, etc. are found in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Ranthambore National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and offers the opportunity to see spectacular wild animals in their natural habitat. Here is a closer look at the incredible wildlife found in Ranthambore.

Famous Animal Species in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is famous for its diverse and vibrant wildlife. Here are some of the most notable animals you will find in this remarkable sanctuary.

Type of Big Cats

There are five types of cat species are found in Ranthambore which include - Tiger, Leopard, Caracals, Jungle cats and Rusty Spotted cats.

Hoofed Animals

The ungulates population includes - Sambar, Spotted deer (chital),  Sambar deer is favorite prey of the Tiger, Blue bull (Nilgai), Chinkara (Indian gazelle) and wild boar. 

Other Wild Animals

The other wild animals species can be seen in Ranthambore tiger reserve are - Sloth Bear ,Jackal, striped Hyena , Indian Palm Civet ,Common Mongoose , Ruddy Mongoose , Long Eared Hedgehogs, Five Striped Palm Squirrel, Indian Porcupine ,Indian Hare , Lesser bandicoot rat or Indian mole-rat, Honey badger or ratel, Indian Flying Fox , Greater false vampire bat, Indian gerbil.

Reptiles in the Park

There is also a large number of reptiles in the park- Snout marsh Crocodile or Mugger, Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor lizard, Indian Rock Python, Saw-scaled Viper, Indian Rat Snake, Indian bullfrog , skittering frog, Asian common toad, Tortoise, Banded krait, Cobra, Indian or common krait, Indian soft-shell turtle, Indian flap shell turtle and  Russell's viper.

Top Wild Animals to Spot in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is world famous for its rich and diverse wildlife. Here is a list of the most prominent animals found in Ranthambore.

• Bengal Tigers: The park is famous for its rich population of Bengal tigers, offering an opportunity to observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat.
• Leopards: The stealthy and agile leopards are another attraction, often found roaming the rugged and mountainous terrain of the park.
• Striped Hyenas: These nocturnal scavengers are known for their distinctive striped coats and eerie calls.
• Sambar Deer: Large and impressive, sambar deer are common sights around waterholes and grassy areas.
• Chital (Spotted Deer): The beautiful and abundant herds of spotted deer with their distinctive white spots add a touch of beauty to the park.
• Nilgai: Nilgai is also known as Blue Bull. It is the largest antelope in India and can be seen grazing in open and buffer areas.
• Common or Hanuman Langurs: These agile black-faced monkeys (langurs) are often seen in the trees of the park, adding vibrancy to the landscape.
• Macaques: Macaques are another fascinating primate species in the park, due to their playful behaviour and social structure.
• Jackals: Clever and adaptable, jackals are frequently seen scavenging and hunting in a variety of environments across the park.
• Jungle Cats: These rare cats blend into the park's vegetation, making this a rare but exciting sight.
• Caracals: Known for their tufted ears and stealth-hunting skills, caracals are one of the park’s rarest and most elusive predators.
• Sloth Bears: These nocturnal bears are recognized by their shaggy fur and distinctive white chest patch.
• Rufous-tailed Hare: These small agile rabbits move quickly through the bushes and are an interesting sight in the park.
• Indian Wild Boars: Wild boars are robust and adaptable, and are common grazing animals in the park's diverse habitats.
• Chinkara (Indian Gazelle): The graceful and fast running Chinkara can be frequently seen in the open grasslands and buffer areas of the park.
• Common Palm Civets (Toddy Cats): These nocturnal mammals are known for their distinctive appearance and are found mainly in the forest areas of the park.
• Common Yellow Bats: Small and adaptable, these bats play an insectivorous role in the park's ecosystem.
• Desert Cats: These small cats adapt to the varied terrain of the park and are rarely seen, but are interesting to observe.
• Five-striped Palm Squirrels: These squirrels with their distinctive stripes are a common sight in Ranthambore and add to the rich biodiversity of the park.
• Indian False Vampires: It is a type of bat that has unique feeding habits, and contributes to the nocturnal ecosystem of the park.
• Indian Flying Foxes: These large fruit bats are often seen roosting in the park’s trees during the day.
• Indian Foxes: Small and agile Indian foxes are adaptable and can be seen in various parts of the Ranthambore Park.
• Indian Gerbilles: These small rodents are part of the diverse rodent population of Ranthambore National Park.
• Indian Mole Rats: These burrowing and rarely seen rodents contribute to the park's underground life.
• Indian Porcupines: Porcupines are active at night and are known for their quills. They often look for food in the park.
• Long-eared Hedgehogs: Small and spiny, the hedgehog is another fascinating nocturnal creature.
• Ratels (Honey Badgers): The tough and flexible Rattle is known for its fearless nature. It is a rare species found in Ranthambore.
• Small Indian Mongooses: These agile and social creatures are often seen foraging for insects in groups.
• Small Indian Civets: Civets are a unique part of the wildlife of this park and are known for their distinctive markings and nocturnal habits.
• Common Mongooses: Common mongooses are adaptable creatures often seen in the park and are known for their agility and intelligence.

This incredible diversity makes Ranthambore National Park a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, offering endless opportunities to view and appreciate India’s rich natural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ranthambore Wild Animals

What types of animals can be seen in Ranthambore National Park?

Ranthambore is home to a variety of wildlife, including: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian Wildcats, Chital (Spotted Deer),Sambar Deer, Langurs (Grey Langur), Various Bird Species and many more.

When is the best time to visit Ranthambore?

The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is considered from November to March.

Winter (November to February): Winter is the most popular time to visit Ranthambore, with pleasant temperatures and good wildlife sightings.

Summer (March to June) : Ranthambore can be very hot in summers, but wildlife viewing is easy, as animals congregate around water sources.

Monsoon (July to September): The park's landscape remains lush in the monsoon but wildlife viewing can be more challenging. Zones 1 to 5 of the park are closed during the monsoon season while zones 6 to 10 are open.

What is the best way to see wildlife in Ranthambore?

Jeep Safaris: Jeep safaris are the most popular and flexible way to explore the park. They allow you to cover a lot of space and reach different areas.

Canter Safaris: Canters are large vehicles that can seat 20 people. They offer a different experience from a jeep safari.

Are there any specific zones in the park?

Ranthambore National Park is divided into several zones, each of which offers a different experience:

Zones 1 to 6: These are considered prime zones for safaris, and are known for good tiger sighting and diverse landscapes.

Zones 7 to 10: These zones are spread across hilly terrain and is rich in wildlife.

Is it possible to stay inside the park?

There are many hotels and resorts on the outskirts of the park, which provide easy access to the safari gate. Some options may be closer to the park entrance, but there are no hotels or resorts inside the park.