Punjab houses several rare species of wild animals. Tigers inhabit the dense jungle-clad hills while the leopards, lions, panthers, hyenas, lynxes, wolves, bears, jackals, foxes, stoats, and martens, nilgais, antelopes, deer, goats, wild boar, porcupines, monkeys, and bats that reside in the forests. Feathered birds like parrots, peafowl, jungle fowl, pheasants, eagles, vultures, hawks, quails, pelicans, waterfowl, cranes, herons, hoopoes, and doves are dappled in vibrant hues and chirp merrily.
Punjab is legendary not only for its colorful birds and majestic predators. It abounds in venom spewing poisonous snakes like the King Cobra and the inconspicuous looking sangehur. The rivers and ponds of Punjab are the home of alligators as well as a large variety of fishes. Silkworm and bees are reared for their domestic utility and agricultural produce. Camels, horses and buffaloes are also found in plenty.
Punjab’s claim to fame rests in its majestic state animal, the Black Buck or Kala Harin as it is locally known. This beautiful beast with spiraled horns changes the color of its hide from a tawny yellow to a beautiful black and lives in huge herds.
To get a glimpse of Punjab’s natural heritage, a visit to the state’s natural reserves and wildlife sanctuaries is imperative. These sanctuaries contain the state’s prized possession of rich and variegated animals. The renowned wildlife sanctuaries include:
- Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kanjli Wetland, Kapurtala
- Satluj Water Body Wetland, Ropar
- Zoological Park, Chhatbir
