Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the wild heart of West Bengal? The Bengal Wilderness Circuit is a remarkable adventure that takes you through a diverse and breathtaking landscape, ranging from the mighty Himalayas to lush floodplains and mangrove forests. At every turn, you’ll encounter elusive and endangered species that call this region home, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Join us at Wild Nature Scapes as we explore this fascinating realm and introduce you to the Terrific 20, the most sought-after species of the Bengal Wilderness Circuit.

The Bengal Wilderness Circuit

The Bengal region, with its varying altitudes from sea level to 3636 meters, offers an incredible variety of ecosystems. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the dense mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, this land is a treasure trove of natural wonders. These diverse landscapes provide a sanctuary for an array of unique and endangered species, both flora and fauna alike.

Our journey will take us through the Baghrol Basa, Sundarban Tiger Reserve, Doors, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Neora Valley National Park, and Singalila National Park (Habre’s Nest). Along the way, we will explore the heart of the wild, seeking out our Terrific 20, a list of twenty extraordinary species that define the essence of this remarkable region.

The Terrific 20

1. Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

The Red Panda, often referred to as the “fire fox,” is a charming and elusive creature. It’s a small, arboreal mammal with rust-colored fur, a bushy tail, and a white face adorned with tear-shaped markings. Red Pandas are well adapted to cold climates, with dense fur and a pseudo-thumb that helps them grip bamboo, their primary food source. These solitary animals are found in the lush forests of Neora Valley National Park, where they navigate the canopy with agility.

2. Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

The crown jewel of the Indian wilderness, the Royal Bengal Tiger, roams majestically through the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. These apex predators are known for their striking orange coats with dark stripes, a pattern that aids in camouflage during their solitary hunts. Bengal Tigers are large, powerful carnivores, with males weighing up to 500 pounds. Their territories often overlap with water bodies, as they are adept swimmers and can be seen patrolling riverbanks.

3. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

The mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans are home to the elusive Fishing Cat. This medium-sized feline is adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with webbed feet for efficient swimming. It has a spotted coat and distinctive white markings on its face and body. As its name suggests, the Fishing Cat preys on fish and other aquatic creatures, often wading into shallow waters to catch its prey.

4. Indian One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Found in the floodplains of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, the Indian One-horned Rhino is a prehistoric giant. It’s a massive herbivore with thick, armor-like skin, and, as the name suggests, a single horn on its snout. These gentle giants are known for their solitary nature and prefer to graze on grasses along riverbanks.

5. Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus)

The vast grasslands of the Doors region are where you’ll find the Indian Gaur, a massive bovine species with formidable horns. These robust herbivores are the largest wild cattle species, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Their dark brown coat and distinctive hump between their shoulders make them easily recognizable.

6. Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)

The Indian Elephant roams freely through the dense forests of Neora Valley National Park. These gentle giants are known for their strong family bonds, intelligence, and trunk dexterity. With a wrinkled gray hide and large, floppy ears, they are a symbol of grace and power in the wilderness.

7. Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

The Indian Leopard is a master of stealth and can be found throughout the Bengal Wilderness Circuit. It has a sleek, rosette-spotted coat that provides excellent camouflage in the jungle. These solitary hunters are known for their agility and adaptability, often venturing into a variety of habitats.

8. Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

A smaller cousin of the leopard, the Leopard Cat is a master of adaptation. It’s a petite, spotted feline with a tawny coat adorned with distinct dark rosettes. Their agility allows them to thrive in a range of environments, from forests to grasslands.

9. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

With its distinctive long legs and tufted ears, the Jungle Cat is well-suited to the wetlands of the Sundarbans. These medium-sized cats have a sandy coat with faint stripes and spots. They are expert hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and amphibians in their watery habitat.

10. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

The mangrove waters of the Sundarbans are home to the mighty Saltwater Crocodile. These prehistoric giants are the largest living reptiles, with armored bodies and powerful jaws. They lurk beneath the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to strike their unsuspecting prey.

11. Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis)

The Bengal Monitor Lizard can be found in various habitats, from forests to plains. These large lizards have distinct yellow and black markings on their body and tail. With sharp claws and a forked tongue, they are skilled hunters and scavengers.

12. Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra)

The elusive Satyr Tragopan is a striking bird with its vibrant plumage and unique courtship dance. The male has a bright crimson body with white spots and striking blue facial skin. During mating rituals, they display their iridescent feathers in a mesmerizing fan-like manner. Look for them in the lush forests of the Bengal wilderness.

13. Ward’s Trogon (Harpactes wardi)

With its iridescent plumage and distinctive call, the Ward’s Trogon is a true gem of the Himalayan foothills. The male has a deep red belly and a bright yellow bill. Listen for its melodious song in the canopy as it perches high in the trees.

14. Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

The Rufous-necked Hornbill is a magnificent bird with a massive bill and a haunting call. The male sports striking plumage with black and white markings and a rufous-colored neck. They are typically found in the dense forests of Neora Valley National Park.

15. Himalayan Cutia (Cutia nipalensis)

Known for its unique coloration and elusive nature, the Himalayan Cutia is a bird watcher’s delight. It has a vibrant blue and white plumage with a distinctive crest on its head. Keep an eye out for this high-altitude beauty in Singalila National Park.

16. Fire-tailed Myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura)

With its fiery red tail and emerald green plumage, the Fire-tailed Myzornis is a rare and exquisite bird found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. These small, active birds have a distinctively curved bill, which they use to extract insects from tree bark.

17. Hill Partridge (Arborophila torqueola)

The Hill Partridge is a shy and well-camouflaged bird that dwells in the thick undergrowth of the Neora Valley National Park. It has cryptic plumage with intricate patterns that help it blend seamlessly into its forest habitat. Its melodious calls can be heard echoing through the forests.

18. Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu)

A master of night hunting, the Buffy Fish Owl can be spotted along the rivers of the Sundarbans, silently swooping down to catch fish in the moonlight. These large owls have striking orange-brown plumage, bright yellow eyes, and powerful talons.

19. Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera)

The Brown-winged Kingfisher is a vibrant bird with striking plumage. It has a rich chestnut-brown body with blue and white accents. Look for it perched along the waterways of the Sundarbans, patiently waiting for its next meal.

20. Great Parrotbill (Conostoma aemodium)

The Great Parrotbill is a gregarious bird with a distinctive beak. It has a striking combination of black, yellow, and green plumage. Spot these lively flocks in the bamboo thickets of Singalila National Park, where they bring the forests to life with their energetic chatter.

Conclusion

All set for your journey through the Bengal Wilderness Circuit with Wild Nature Scapes? You might as well be because we are not just witnessing nature; we are becoming a part of it. Each species in the Terrific 20 is a testament to the biodiversity and wonder of this region. From the enigmatic Red Panda to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, every encounter is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the wild. So, pack your sense of adventure and join us on this thrilling exploration of the Bengal wilderness. The Terrific 20 await, ready to share their mysteries and splendor with those who dare to seek them out.