Ever Heard of a Galaxy Frog or Mouse Deer? Spot These 10 Rare Animals in  India’s Rainforests

By Krystelle Dsouza 6 July 2025

1. Indian Spotted  Chevrotain

Also known as the mouse deer, the Indian Spotted Chevrotain is one of the smallest deer species in India, measuring 25-30 cm in height. Where it’s found: Eastern and Western Ghats.

It is the only ape species that is native to India. These animals with long arms and dense hair play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Where they’re found: Rainforests of Northeast India.

3. Indian Giant Squirrel

Distinguished by its vibrant colour and hefty tail, the Indian Giant Squirrel can grow up to one metre long. Where they’re found: Western Ghats and parts of the Eastern Ghats and Satpura ranges.

Blue and yellow in colour, the species’ name borrows from its galaxy-like appearance. Due to habitat destruction, it was named as a flagship species for conservation in Kerala’s Mathikettan Shola National Park. Where it’s found: Western Ghats.

5. Bonnet Macaques

Also known as the grey-brown old world monkeys, the bonnet macaques partake in social grooming behaviours which strengthen their bonds. Where they’re found: Goa’s Bhagwan Mahavir National Park.

6. Sri Lanka Frogmouth

The bird exhibits exceptional camouflage and nocturnal behaviours and is famous for its frog-like beak. Where it’s found: Tropical forests of the Western Ghats.

7. Red Panda

These bamboo-eating animals have among the highest legal protection in India. Where it’s found: Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.

8. Bengal Slow Loris

Said to be the world’s only venomous primate, the Bengal Slow Loris is named for the dark circles around its eyes, which borrows from the Dutch word ‘loris,’ which means ‘clown’. Where they’re found: Rainforests of Northeast India.

9. Malabar Gliding Frog

The amphibian is adept at climbing trees and is characterised by large red coloured webbing between yellow-coloured fingers and toes. Where it’s found: Rainforests of the Western Ghats.

10. Nilgiri Marten

Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, the Nilgiri Marten relies on old hollow trees for survival and is distinguished by its chocolate coloured fur and canary yellow throat. Where it’s found: Forests of the Western Ghats.