Wildlife
India has long been blessed with a richness of wildlife. Its forest and wetlands, dunes and grassy fields support an abundance of animals, ranging from magnificient carnivores to delicate butterflies. India's majestic national animal, the tiger, still stalks several protected regions, and the unique Indian lion roars in the Gir Forest in the western part of the country. Wild elephants roam free in limited regions of the far north and south. Panthers, wild bison, the one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles, snakes, bears, storks, parrots, mischievous monkeys, and glorious peacocks are all part of the Indian scene. At dawn, in most of the country's many wildlife preserves, sun-dappled herds of spotted deer, antelope, and gazelle come out to graze on twany grass wet with dew, reenacting a peaceful pageant of timeless beauty.
