India is home to two main species of tigers: the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and the Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti). These two tiger subspecies are found in different regions of the country.
1. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):
The Bengal tiger is the most common tiger species found in India. It is primarily distributed in the forested areas of the Indian subcontinent. Here are some of the notable tiger reserves and national parks where Bengal tigers are found in India:
- Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)
- Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
- Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
- Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
- Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
- Pench National Park (Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra)
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
- Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)
- Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
2. Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti):
The Indochinese tiger is another subspecies of tiger found in India, although it has a more limited distribution compared to the Bengal tiger. It is primarily found in the northeastern part of India, particularly in the state of Assam. The main national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where Indochinese tigers are found in India include:
- Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Manas National Park (Assam)
- Dampa Tiger Reserve (Mizoram)
It's important to note that both the Bengal tiger and the Indochinese tiger are endangered species, and conservation efforts are being made to protect their populations and habitats in India.