Our Guide to Wildlife in Asia

India is enormously biodiverse, from the Kerala backwaters to the peaks of Ladakh. Among its hundreds of mammal species, two stand out: the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant. The former can be found, notably in Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh, two national parks that boast a large number of wild tigers as well as leopards, hyenas, deer, sloth bears and many other species. 

If you want to see elephants, Kaziranga National Park offers one of the best chances to spot these majestic creatures in the wild, and is also known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and water buffalo. All three of these parks offer some of the best safaris in Asia. They also contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at helping to protect and support the habitats of endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and Indian elephant.

Part of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. You’ll find one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards in Yala National Park. These elusive felines are hard to spot – making each sighting even more magical. There are plenty of other animals that inhabit the park, including Indian elephants and sloth bears.

You can observe a similar variety of species in Wilpattu – the country’s largest national park – and Gal Oya, an off-the-beaten-track option that also offers boat safaris and beautiful birdlife. We suggest staying at the gorgeous Gal Oya Lodge, which reinvests part of its profits into initiatives that benefit the local community as well as operating its own conservation-focussed research centre.

Part of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is perhaps best known for its abundance of primates, and particularly for its native orangutans. You can learn more about this critically endangered species at the Sepilok Nature Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan. The Danum Valley, and areas around the Kinabatangan River, are considered among the best places in Borneo to see wild orangutans.

In addition to these gentle giants, Borneo is also home to many of the most majestic rainforest animals in Asia, including sun bears, pygmy elephants, gibbons, saltwater crocodiles and clouded leopards. The best time to visit Borneo for wildlife experiences is between May and August, in the middle of the dry season.

There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring animals in East Asia, and Japan is home to a few especially unique species. In Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, located northwest of Tokyo, you can see the adorable macaques that inspired the park’s name. In winter (December–February) you might even get to watch the monkeys relaxing in the steaming waters of natural hot springs.

Japan is also a fantastic destination for bird watching. Avid birders can go in search of rare species like red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido and Okinawa rails, among many others. And if you find yourself in Okinawa between January and March, make sure to keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales as well.

Thailand offers remarkable opportunities to encounter Southeast Asia’s extraordinary wildlife, including singing gibbons, spectacled langurs, Indochinese tigers, and dholes (Asiatic wild dogs). But the country’s most  renowned species is arguably the Asian elephant. You can learn about these enormous and endlessly impressive animals at elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khao Sok.

Gain a deeper understanding of elephant behaviour through thoughtfully guided experiences that prioritise the animals wellbeing, by observing their natural routines at a respectful distance. You can also visit Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about its Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, which rescues and rehabilitates these endangered primates.

The small, landlocked country of Bhutan is home to a wide variety of fascinating wildlife. Here you can find a variety of big cats like Bengal tigers, snow leopards and clouded leopards, as well as many different species of primates, sloth bears, black bears, golden langurs, water buffalo, wolves and deer – just to name a few.

Bhutan also boasts a significant population of red pandas. These small, agile mammals are among the country’s most unique and endearing animals, and are also endangered. They can  be found in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan, and in high-altitude forests throughout the country – although they’re notoriously difficult to spot in the wild.