The Bengal tiger is the most iconic wild cat in India. Found primarily in the forests of India, especially in Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, this tiger is known for its striking orange coat with black stripes.
Native to India, the Indian leopard is found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. It is smaller than its African counterpart but is highly adaptable to various environments.
Found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, snow leopards are elusive big cats that thrive in cold, mountainous regions. They are known for their thick fur, spotted coat, and long, bushy tail.
This medium-sized wild cat is found in the forests of northeastern India and the Himalayan foothills. It is named for its unique cloud-like pattern on its coat and is known for its ability to climb trees.
Though extinct in India in the wild for many years, efforts are underway to reintroduce the Indian cheetah. The Indian subspecies of cheetah once roamed the grasslands and forests of India, known for its incredible speed.
While not native to India, there have been rare sightings of jaguars migrating from other parts of Asia, particularly in the northeastern regions.
A medium-sized wild cat found in the arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly in the northwestern areas like Rajasthan. Known for its tufted ears and agility, it hunts small mammals and birds.
The Indian wildcat is found in the forests and scrublands of northern and central India. It is smaller than the other big cats and resembles a domestic cat but is a true wild species.
Though primarily found in the northern regions of the Himalayas, Pallas’s cat is a small wild cat with a distinctive look, with long, thick fur, a flat face, and a stocky build.