Fauna of Kerala

The fauna of Kerala is linked with the diverse habitat conditions shaped by the unique vegetation types found here. Located in the tropical zone and blessed with a multitude of geographical features, Kerala hosts a mosaic of regional, climatic, and edaphic conditions, resulting in a wide array of habitats. These diverse habitats provide sanctuary to a multitude of wilderness of Kerala  fauna, both abundant in numbers and rich in biological diversity.

 Please click here to find a compilation of Kerala’s most significant animal species.

Welcome to the Diverse Fauna of Kerala

Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. This lush green State, nestled in the South Western corner of India, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Its diverse topography, from the coastal plains to the high Western Ghats, provides a unique habitat for an astonishing array of wildlife. The term “wildlife” with respect to a locality refers to all the wild animals and plants living in that area. The natural animal life in a place is shaped by the types of vegetation that grow there. Kerala is located in the tropics and has a variety of geographical features, which has led to the presence of different regional, climatic, and soil-based ecosystems. These ecosystems provide a wide range of habitats for a rich variety of wildlife. Explore the remarkable fauna of Kerala as we take you on a virtual journey through its wild treasures.

Mammals

Remarkable diversity of mammals is the characteristic features of wilderness of Kerala. Kerala’s lush forests and expansive grasslands harbor a remarkable diversity of mammals.  From the Royal Bengal Tiger, elusive Leopards, and robust Asian Elephants to the playful Malabar Giant Squirrel, and the diminutive Mouse Deer, these habitats offer a glimpse into the lives of some of India’s most iconic creatures. Let’s delve into the details.

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) : The Asian Elephant is a magnificent herbivore and the largest land mammal in Asia.  One of its most striking features is the trunk, a powerful combination of its elongated nose and upper lip. This versatile tool allows the elephant to grasp food and water, clear dust from its body, and even test the air for danger. The tip of the trunk is sensitive enough to pick up small objects.

Male Asian elephants have prominent tusks that grow from their upper incisors. These tusks are used for defence, fighting, and digging. Females typically have no tusks or if present are very small ones,if present are very small ones known as  `Tushes’.  Tuskless males are called Makhanas.  An elephant’s teeth are replaced throughout its life. As the two molars in use at any given time wear down and eventually fall out, the next pair in line gradually moves forward to take their place. The lifespan of an elephant is directly tied to its teeth – once the last molars are lost, the animal can no longer chew properly and will eventually starve.

While eyesight is weak, an elephant’s senses of smell and hearing are exceptional. They are constantly on the lookout for food, consuming around 250 to 320 kilograms daily. Elephants are primarily social animals, living in herds. However, solitary individuals can also be encountered. They are active during the day and rest at night. Male elephants, both wild and domesticated, go through periodic phases of heightened testosterone and aggression known as musth.  During this time, they become more unpredictable and dangerous.

Indian Bison (Gaur) (Bos gaurus) : This majestic animal, often mistakenly called a bison is the largest wild bovine of Indian subcontinent with a powerful build actually a large bovid with a powerful build. It has a massive head, sturdy legs, and strong horns that curve inwards. The coat is brown to black with short hair, and characteristic white markings on the lower legs. Gaurs graze in open areas in small family groups led by an elder bull. They are primarily active during the mornings and afternoons, seeking shelter in the forests during the hottest parts of the day or when disturbed. Their excellent sense of smell helps them to avoid danger, and their large size offers protection from most predators. However, weak ,or young solitary  individuals can be vulnerable.

Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) : The Sambar is the largest deer species in India. The males have impressive antlers that they shed annually. Their coat is coarse and shaggy, with a yellowish or grayish tinge. Sambar deer are primarily nocturnal, grazing in open areas at night and seeking refuge in the forests during the day to escape the heat and predators. Their keen senses of smell and hearing help them stay alert, and their alarm calls often signal the presence of tigers or leopards in the vicinity. They are a major food source for large carnivores, and large herds can be seen at night near streams water holes.

Barking Deer (Rib-faced Deer) (Muntiacus muntijak) : This shy deer is small and reddish-brown in color. Males have short, two-pronged antlers and well-developed upper canines for defense. Their barking call is distinctive and easily imitated by hunters, making them vulnerable. They are typically found in pairs or alone at dawn and dusk, and their droppings can be spotted along the roads.

Mouse Deer (Indian Chevrotain) (Moschiola meminna) : This tiny deer with spotted brown and white fur is a master of camouflage, making it difficult to spot in the dense undergrowth. Its small size, shy behavior, and protective coloring all contribute to its ability to avoid detection. Mouse deer lack antlers, but males have small protruding canines. They are solitary except during breeding season and inhabit the lower foothills with rocky outcrops.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Wild boar are abundant throughout the forests of Kerala and adjoining landscapes.  They form a major food source for predators. Their population has grown significantly due to protection measures. However, this increase has also caused problems for local residents. Wild boars raid agricultural crops, causing damage to fields and plantations. They are also known to dig up nurseries in search of tubers. These formidable animals can be aggressive if disturbed. They are omnivorous and will consume almost anything they find, including both plants and animals, fresh or rotten. Interestingly, within the village itself, they play a role as scavengers, cleaning up human waste. Large groups of wild boar can be seen roaming the area near the staff quarters and populated parts of the village, particularly at night, while searching for food or seeking refuge from predators.

Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata): This medium-sized, long-tailed monkey is native to peninsular India. Recognizable by the radiating crown of fur on its head, the Bonnet Macaque is a social animal living in small groups led by dominant males. Primarily arboreal, they inhabit the forest areas and rarely venture into populated areas. They are omnivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, shoots, insects, and other small creatures. However, during times of food scarcity, they can become cunning raiders of crops.

Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus):  Endemic to the Western Ghats, the Lion-tailed Macaque is distinguished by its glossy black fur, beard, and tufted tail. Similar to the Bonnet Macaque, they live in social groups led by dominant males. These shy and secluded animals prefer the thick forest areas near estates and riparian fringes. Their dark fur and secretive behavior make them difficult to spot. Sadly, past poaching due to the perceived medicinal value of their meat, along with habitat loss, have contributed to a decline in their population. The remaining Lion-tailed Macaques can be found in the higher reaches of the forest, far from human settlements.

Nilgiri Langur (Hooded Leaf Monkey) (Trachypithecus johnii): This langur is a striking primate with a glossy black coat and a yellowish-brown head. They favor dense evergreen forests with reliable water sources. Unfortunately, due to past heavy poaching for their meat and habitat destruction, they are very rare in this area. Local sightings suggest they may still be present in the high reaches and ghat sections, but they avoid populated areas.

Tiger (Panthera tigris): The majestic  and magnificent Tiger is the apex predator in our forests . With its black and brown stripes on a yellow-brown pelt,  Tiger blends well with its natural surroundings. Tigers require three key things for survival: shade for resting, a water source and a healthy prey base. They are intolerant of high temperatures and seek shelter under trees during the hottest parts of the day.

Leopard (Panthera pardus): This adaptable carnivore thrives in diverse habitats with its tawny yellow coat marked with black rosettes. Except during breeding season, they are solitary animals. Leopards are skilled swimmers, climbers and leapers, with exceptional senses and a knack for camouflage, making them difficult to track. They prefer rocky areas with plenty of bushes for cover and are more tolerant of heat than tigers, allowing them to hunt during the day. Their prey ranges from Sambar to wild boar and smaller animals. Leopards are more likely to have interactions with humans than tigers.

 Jungle Cat (Felis chaus): Resembling a large house cat with a heavier build, longer legs  and a shorter tail, the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) is a common wild cat in India. Solitary creatures except during breeding season, they inhabit wooded areas with rocky hideouts. They are nocturnal hunters, using stealth to take down small mammals, birds  and reptiles. Despite their size, they are surprisingly strong and can overpower prey larger than themselves.

 Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis): Roughly the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs, the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) has a spotted coat that gives it the look of a miniature panther. Their nocturnal habits make them elusive. They prefer open areas with thick bushes and hunt small mammals and birds.

 Toddy Cat (Common Palm Civet) (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites): Also known as Marappatti, this common resident around human settlements is named for its fondness for toddy, a palm sap beverage. With dark grey or brown fur marked by small white spots and black or dark brown limbs, the Common Palm Civet is a skilled climber that spends much of its time in trees. They make their nests in holes within trees, rock crevices or even between the roof and ceiling of buildings, where they can become a nuisance. Active at night, they hunt small animals like rats, mice and birds, but also enjoy a variety of fruits including coffee berries. As a defense mechanism, they can produce a foul-smelling secretion.

Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica): Smaller than its relative, the Common Palm Civet, the Small Indian Civet has a grey coat with spots and bands. They prefer open scrub jungle near human settlements, where they find shelter in holes, under rocks or bushes, and even in abandoned buildings. While they can climb, they primarily search for food on the ground, preying on small animals like rats, squirrels, and lizards, along with insects. They may also take chickens and supplement their diet with fruits, roots, and other vegetable matter. In the past, they were kept in captivity for ‘civet’, a musk-like perfume ingredient extracted from their scent glands.

Indian Pangolin (Ant-eater) (Manis crassicaudata): The most distinctive feature of the Indian Pangolin is its armor of overlapping horny scales, offering protection by allowing them to roll into a ball when threatened. These toothless, terrestrial mammals rely on their long, extendible tongues to capture ants, their primary food source. They also have powerful forefeet with large digging claws to break into anthills. Primarily nocturnal, they spend their days curled up and sleeping, venturing out at night to forage.

Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus): They dwell in the dense forest and have a distinctive appearance with slender bodies and limbs, a round face, short muzzle, and large eyes. They lack tails and are arboreal and nocturnal. Slow and deliberate in their movements, they stalk prey like insects, small animals, and fruits, capturing them with a sudden snatch. During the day, they sleep curled up on branches, gripping tightly with their hands and feet.

Travancore Flying Squirrel (Petinomys fuscocappillus): This unique squirrel has flaps of skin connecting its fore and hind limbs, which act as wings when extended during gliding leaps between trees. While not capable of true flight, these nocturnal animals use their agility to move from one treetop to another. With a bushy tail and sharp claws for climbing, they spend their days in hollows of dense forest trees, emerging at night to feed on insects, small animals, and fruits. They are primarily found in the interior parts of the forest tract.

Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica): Endemic to India, the Indian Giant Squirrel is a forest dweller that rarely descends to the ground. They are active and agile, known for their impressive leaps between treetops. These beautiful squirrels have long, bushy tails and black fur with characteristic reddish-brown stripes and markings. Shy animals, they freeze when they sense danger, making them difficult to spot. They live alone or in pairs, building globular nests from twigs and leaves placed high in slender branches, out of reach of predators. A single squirrel may construct multiple nests in different trees for sleeping, raising young, and storing food, which consists of fruits, shoots, and insects.

Birds

Our forests harbour rich birdlife.  Notabale ones are described here.

Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus):  A source of pride for the local residents, the Peacock is a magnificent bird with a vibrantly colored plumage and an exceptionally long tail displayed by the males. The females are smaller and lack the males’ iridescent display, but both are revered as sacred birds.

Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis homrai): This rare and impressive bird is a large, pied creature with a thick, yellow and black hornbill and a prominent casque on its head. Found in the evergreen forests of the valleys, they are omnivores that feed on fruits, lizards, snakes  and small animals including insects. Great Indian Hornbill is our State bird.

Malabar (Common) Grey Hornbill (Tockus griseus griseus):  Endemic to Western Ghats,  these hornbills are found in small, noisy groups, particularly during mating season. Common in the lowland forests, they are plain grey with no casque and have white streaks on their chests and throats. Both males and females look similar. Large flocks gather around fruiting trees, creating a racket with their constant chattering and harsh croaks.

Jungle Fowl (Gallus sonneratii): Closely resembling domestic fowl, the Jungle Fowl is found in pairs or small groups throughout the forest. The males are more brightly colored with distinctive sickle-shaped tails, while the hens have dull brown feathers. Shy birds, they stay close to cover and venture out mainly in the mornings and afternoons to forage for shoots, fruits, grains, termites and other insects. At night, they roost in trees or bamboo.

Indian Purple-rumped Sunbird (Nectarinia zeylanica sola): These tiny birds are frequent visitors to flowering trees, particularly in pairs. The males are vibrantly colored on their backs, while the females range from brown to olive brown. They flit from flower to flower, feeding on nectar and displaying their remarkable ability to hover and move in mid-air without turning their bodies fully.

The other birds commonly found in our forests are listed below:

• Pariah Kite (Milvus migrans)
• Brahmony Kite (Haliastur indus)
• Jungle Myna (Acridotherus fuscus)
• Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
• Crow‐pheasant (Centropus sinensis)
• White‐headed Barbler (Turdoides affinis)
• Blue‐winged Parakeet (Psittacula columboides)
• Red‐whiskered Bulbul (Pyennonotus jocosus)
• Indian Lorikeet (Loriculus vernalis)
• Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
• Emerald Dove(Chacophaps indica)
• Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
• Paradise fly catcher (Terpsiphone paradise)
• Rocket‐tailed Drongo (Dicrurrus paradiseus)
• Indian Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
• Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia)
• Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii)
• White throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
• Brown‐capped Pigmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos nanus)
• Golden‐backed Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)
• Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata)
• Indian Blue Robin (Luscinia brunnea)
• Mag‐pie Robin (Copsychus saularis)
• Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)
• Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Reptiles

Diverse reptilian fauna could be found in our forests, including both venomous and non-venomous species. Here are some of the reptiles found in the area: 

Flying Lizard (Draco dussumieri): This lizard, resembling a calotes, has unique skin flaps along its sides that extend when its limbs are outstretched, allowing it to glide down from trees. However, true flight is not possible for this gliding lizard found in the drier parts of the forest.

Skink (Mabuya species): Several skink species of varying sizes and colors inhabit the forest. Some prefer the hot, damp environment under decomposing leaves while others thrive in open areas.

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): The most feared venomous snake, the King Cobra is a solitary creature found in dense forests at higher elevations. They can grow up to 3.6 to 5.6 meters  long. They generally avoid human contact. Primarily feeding on other snakes and rodents, they build nests from dried leaves and twigs, where they lay eggs. Even young hatchlings are venomous and possess a potentially lethal neurotoxic venom.

Cobra (Naja naja): The Common Cobra is the most prevalent venomous snake in the area. Recognized by the characteristic hood markings that flare when threatened, they are known for their potent neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory failure and death. Male Cobras are larger with longer tails and hoods. They prey on rodents, frogs and birds.

Python (Python molurus): The Python is non-venomous but constricts its prey to death. These powerful snakes prefer moist areas and are excellent swimmers and climbers. While they may appear sluggish, they become very active when hunting, sometimes coiling around branches to ambush prey passing below. Their diet includes small animals, birds and frogs.

Viper (Vipera russelli): Another common venomous snake is the Viper, identifiable by its dark brown color with three rows of elliptical patches and a distinctively triangular head. They camouflage well in rocky and bushy areas, remaining coiled until provoked. When threatened, they hiss loudly and strike with their large fangs, injecting venom that can be fatal. Their prey consists of small animals, birds and lizards.

Krait (Bungarus caeruleus): This steel blue colored snake with faint white bands is nocturnal and feeds on other snakes, birds, rodents and lizards. Their neurotoxic venom can cause drowsiness and death.

Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus): A friend to farmers, the Rat Snake is a common, non-venomous snake that helps control rodent populations. Agile climbers, they become defensive when cornered, biting and emitting a foul odor.

Common Blind Snake (Typhlops braminus): Resembling a large earthworm, this primitive, chocolate-colored snake lives in cool, damp places and rotting vegetation. They have poor eyesight and burrow easily in soft soil, feeding on larvae, worms and soft insects.

Common Green Whip Snake (Dryophis nasutus): This slender, green snake with distinct black and white markings hunts from the foliage of small trees and bushes. They suspend themselves by their tail, keeping their head free to strike at prey, which includes insects, lizards and small birds.

Checkered Keelback (Natrix piscator): This aquatic, non-venomous snake frequents stagnant water in ditches, rivers and streams. They rarely leave the water and strike defensively when cornered. Their diet consists of frogs, small fish, worms and insects.

Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris): Another aquatic, harmless snake, the Water Snake seldom ventures onto land. They feed on frogs and worms.

Tree Snake (Dendrphis species): This rare, non-venomous snake lives among the leaves of small trees and bushes.

Sand Boa (Eryx conicus): Pinkish grey with dark brown markings, this non-venomous snake has a small head with vertical pupils and nostrils resembling slits. They burrow in sandy soil, hunting for frogs, mice and lizards. Their blunt tail resembles the head and they can even move backward, leading some to believe they are two-headed.

Wolf Snake (Oligodon venustus): This harmless, grey snake with a brownish tinge resembles a krait but has distinct brown bands on its anterior region. Found in bushy areas, they come out at night to hunt for small rodents, lizards and insects.

Tortoise (Testudo travancorica): These armored reptiles live near perennial streams in the upper reaches of the forest.

Amphibians

The forest provides a habitat for a variety of amphibians including frogs, toads and caecilians.

Frogs: Several frog species can be found in the area, particularly in the water holes and damp places. These belong to the genus Rana and include:

• Six-Limbed Frog (Rana hexadactyla)
• Indian Bullfrog (Rana tigrina)
• Assam Toad-headed Frog (Rana semipalmata)
• Malabar Frog (Rana malabarica)
• Golden-brown Frog (Rana aurentiaca)

Toads: The forest is also home to toads of the genus Bufo. Here are some of the common toad species:

• Black Spotted Toad (Bufo melanostichtus)
• Parietal Toad (Bufo parietallis)
• Small Eared Toad (Bufo microtympanum)

Tree Frogs: Tree frogs, some of which are poisonous, can also be found in the forest. These belong to the genus Rhacophorous, with the Malabar Tree Frog (Rhacophorous malabaricus) being one example.

Caecilians: A lesser-known amphibian in the forest is the caecilian, a worm-like, burrowing creature. While not as commonly seen, they are nonetheless part of the forest’s amphibian population.

Fish 

The fish fauna of Kerala is diverse, with variations depending on the specific waterbody and its characteristics. Studies have shown a high number of endemic species, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. For example, a recent survey in Wayanad documented 58 fish species in streams, with 25 being endemic to the Western Ghats. Species like Lepidopygopsus typus and Hysilobarbus kurali are some examples of endemic fish found in the southern Western Ghats, including parts of Kerala.

 Invertebrates 

This lower group of animal kingdom is also well represented in this tract. Here’s a closer look at some of the interesting ones:

• Earthworms and Leeches: Damp areas are home to many earthworms and leeches. Earthworm species include Drawida, Megascolex, Lemnoscolex, Dichogaster, Moniligaster, Travanscolides and Metapheri. The rainy season brings an abundance of leeches, particularly of the Bipalium genus. Be prepared to encounter these interesting creatures, if you’re exploring the forest during this time.
• Mollusks: Freshwater mussels, slugs and snails can also be found in the area.
• Crustaceans: Crabs and prawn-like fish are some of the crustaceans that live here.
• Arachnids: Scorpions and centipedes of various sizes can be found in damp areas. Many are venomous, so beware! Millipedes and pill millipedes, in various sizes and colors, are also common.

A diverse insect population thrives in the forest, including both beneficial and harmful species. Look out for wood lice, leaf insects, honeybees, butterflies, dragonflies, ticks, beetles, ants, bugs and grasshoppers in all shapes and sizes.

• Honeybees: Honeybees of different sizes build their hives in various locations, including tree branches, rocky outcrops, bushes, grass and even hollow tree trunks. Honey and beeswax are important products collected by the local tribes.
• Spiders: Spiders of many varieties can also be found in the forest. These include funnel-web spiders, jumping spiders, oval-eyed spiders, wandering spiders, daddy long leg spiders, comb-footed spiders and crab spiders.
• Butterflies and Dragonflies: Kerala is a haven for butterflies, moths and dragonflies. Just before the monsoon season, large numbers of butterflies, including the common yellow variety, can be seen swarming the area. Other butterfly species include Troides minos, Neptis hylas, Junonia lemonias, Danaus genutia, Catopsilia pomona, Leptosia nina, Kanishka canace, Hypolimnas bolina, Parantica nilgiriensis and Hypolimnas missipus.