OTHER ANIMALS IN KANHA

Kanha is more than just tigers. Apart from tigers there are leopard and the wild dog (dhole) present in the The Wild Dog are very interesting in terms of stories of their hunting prowess. They hunt in packs between 8 to 15 and tire out their prey with long chases. Jackal , Jungle cat are common among the small predators. If there are no signs of the king of the jungle or the secondary predators, open your eyes and ears to other intriguing features of the flora and fauna. Remember that the eco systems is a seamless while: grass, insects, birds, trees and mammals are all linked together in a fascinating, variegated mosaic.

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The largest herbivore here is the Indian Wild Ox or Gaur (Bos gaurus) mistakenly called as Indian Bison. The Sambar is the largest Indian deer, usually found singly.
The most important deer species in Kanha is the sub species of the Swamp deer - the Barasingha, often know as "The Jewel of Kanha". It is different from the Swamp deer found in the swampy areas of the north. This deer was at the verge of extinction in the early 1970s with their number going down to around 66, now with conservation efforts it has gone up to around 500.
The most commonly seen deer in Kanha is the Chital or Spotted deer (Axis axis) in large herds. The Muntjac or Barking deer a small plain solitary deer is seen quite regularly. Blackbuck Antilope and the subtle Chowsingha (Tetracerus quadricornus) - only four horned antelope in the world, are also seen.
The Blackbuck, not typically an animal of the moist deciduous forest saw its number dropping to around 10 in 1986 and is a part of captive breeding program and the numbers are rising.
 

Chital or Spotted deer
Among the large predators, the Tiger takes pride of place. A attractive animal, an encounter with one even from a jeep or elephant can be a never forgettable experience for he sheer majesty, grace and power which the tiger exudes.
The Sloth bear (Melursus ursianus) is more common in the hilly areas, can occasionally be seen. It is an omnivore with its diet mostly made up of berries, honey and insects. Porcupine, Pangolin or Scaly anteater are very rarely seen. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) which feeds on roots, carrion etc., is very commonly seen.
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Apart from the larger animals, Kanha is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers. From the larger raptors like the Short-toed Eagle, the Crested Hawk-Eagle and Crested serpent Eagle, many smaller birds like the grassland Warblers, Flycatchers, Bee-eaters, Minivets, brilliantly coloured Indian Roller or Blue Jay, Cattle Egrets, Black stork, Barbets, Nuthatchers, so many kinds of Woodpeckers and the Kingfishers are resident species of Kanha. In the drier months and during monsoon time, the forest resounds with the call of the Hawk Cuckoo or Brainfever bird.
The evenings also echo with the calls of Jungle Owlet, the Scops Owl and occasionally the Great Horned Owl (Bubo bubo). The Indian Marsh Crocodile and the common Indian Monitor Lizard are among the bigger reptiles found here.
Butterflies and Giant Wood spider, Signature spider, Wolf spider are some of the common spider species are mostly seen in Kanha.