India’s wildlife heritage is ancient, diverse, and deeply interwoven with its history. As early as the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE), Indian texts documented nearly 250 bird species, showcasing a long-standing tradition of observing and respecting nature. The 2,000-year-old Gajashastra written in the Pali script offers detailed insights into elephant behaviour and early techniques used to train captured elephants, reflecting India’s deep connection with its wildlife.
Today, India’s rich ecosystems span dense jungles, vast grasslands, riverine forests, and wetland sanctuaries, home to iconic species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, one‑horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, and hundreds of migratory birds.
