The wildlife that surrounds us today is a result of evolution, adaptations, and many extinctions. But even as the face of the Earth has changed over millions of years, some creatures have withstood the test of time. These animals that have wandered the planet and dwelled in the ocean for millennia are living fossils, with a physical makeup that isn’t very different from their ancestors. Here are some prehistoric species to look out for in India.
Crocodiles
If we had to classify the most prehistoric-looking living creatures today, crocodiles would occupy the top spot. These cold-blooded creatures with tough-as-armour skin and terrifying teeth are the closest things to dinosaurs that still exist. Crocodile ancestors existed as far back as a 100 million years or more ago, back when dinosaurs were still around. Many studies suggest that present-day crocs aren’t very different from the prehistoric predators of the Cretaceous period.
Horseshoe crabs
With a body that resembles a solid metal shield, a long spiky tail, and blue blood, the horseshoe crab is almost like an alien. But this primeval species has dwelled in the oceans and marshy lands for more than 350 million years. These endangered creatures are found along the northern part of India’s east coast, in Odisha and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans. The horseshoe crab’s name is quite misleading: neither does it look like a horseshoe, nor is it really a crab. The rare species is part of the arachnid family, which means they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions.
Red panda
This cute little inhabitant of the Eastern Himalayas hangs out in the tree canopy, snacking on bamboo and sleeping on branches. With their red-brown fur, feline facial features, and bushy tails, red pandas look very much like cuddly domestic cats. You wouldn’t imagine that these reticent creatures are an ancient species, often called ‘living fossils’. Red Panda fossils dating back more than three million years have been found in some parts of the world. In India, red pandas are found in the forests of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and some parts of West Bengal, but they are shy, hard to spot, and well-camouflaged.
Purple frog
In the thriving Western Ghats, there roams a curious little purple-grey blob with stubby legs, beady eyes, and a pointed snout. This is the rare purple frog, a strange looking, ancient creature that walked the Earth millions of years ago with dinosaurs, and continues to exist even today. It’s unlikely you’ll see them on treks or drives, as the purple frog spends most of its life burrowed deep in underground tunnels, emerging only to mate during the monsoon. The closest relative of the Indian purple frog is found in the Seychelles, putting weight behind the theory that these creatures date back to the time when the two countries were part of the same landmass.
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