The leopard (Panthera pardus) is found in many parts of India. Leopards are agile and stealthy predators and adjust easily to their surroundings. The Leopard is illegally hunted for its skin. The leopards are protected under the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is one of the largest cat species found in India. Also called the Bengal Tiger, its recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on a reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside. Tigers are apex predators, primarily preying on ungulates such as deer and bovids. They are territorial, generally solitary but social animals. Due to destruction of its habitat and illegal hunting for its fur, bone, nails and other parts it has become an endangered species. The Tigers are protected under the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The sambar (Cervus unicolor) is one of the largest Indian deer. The appearance and the size of sambar vary widely. Sambar prefers the dense cover of deciduous shrubs and grasses. They are a favourite prey item for tigers and Asiatic lions. It is protected under Schedule-III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Spotted Deer or the cheetal (Axis axis) is found in large numbers in dense, deciduous or semi evergreen forests and open grasslands. Cheetal are primarily grazers and feed on short, sprouting grasses. Predators of the cheetal include wolves, tigers, Asiatic lions (Gir Forest), leopards, Indian rock, pythons, dholes and mugger crocodiles . It is protected under Schedule-III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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