Blog

Meta Description (156 characters)

Discover India’s most underrated wildlife destinations, from quiet forests to mangrove parks, with expert travel tips, wildlife highlights, and trip planning advice.

Complete Editorial Outline

Introduction

• Why India’s best wildlife experiences aren’t limited to famous tiger reserves
• What “underrated” really means
• How this guide selected each destination

H2: What Makes a Wildlife Destination Underrated?

H3: More wildlife, fewer crowds

H3: Biodiversity beyond tigers

H3: Unique habitats and ecosystems

H3: Better opportunities for slow wildlife travel

H3: Selection criteria used in this guide

H2: Most Underrated Wildlife Destinations in India

H3: Satpura National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

H3: Bhitarkanika National Park (Odisha)

H3: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)

H3: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam)

H3: Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan)

H3: Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)

H3: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka)

H3: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka)

H3: Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

H3: Nokrek National Park (Meghalaya)

H2: Which Underrated Wildlife Destination Is Best for You?

H3: Best for birdwatchers

H3: Best for wildlife photographers

H3: Best for first-time wildlife travellers

H3: Best for families

H3: Best for rare species

H3: Best for peaceful safaris

H2: Planning Your Trip

H3: Best seasons to visit

H3: Accessibility and travel planning

H3: Responsible wildlife tourism

H3: Practical planning checklist

H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

H2: Frequently Asked Questions

(20 carefully selected FAQs based on search intent)

Conclusion

Planned Comparison Tables

1. Top underrated wildlife destinations at a glance
   • State
   • Habitat
   • Signature wildlife
   • Best season
   • Crowd level
   • Accessibility
2. Best destination by traveller type
3. Famous wildlife destination vs underrated alternative
4. Best destinations by wildlife interest
   • Tigers
   • Birds
   • Wetlands
   • Mangroves
   • Rare mammals
   • Photography

Planned Practical Value Boxes

• Expert Tip
• Photography Tip
• Responsible Tourism Tip
• Field Note
• Decision Guide
• Practical Planning Checklist

Planned FAQs

The article will answer questions including:

• What makes a wildlife destination underrated?
• Are underrated parks better than famous tiger reserves?
• Which destination is best for birdwatching?
• Which parks are suitable for families?
• Which are easiest to reach?
• Which are best for photography?
• Which have the fewest crowds?
• Are permits required?
• What is the best season?
• Which destination suits first-time visitors?

(20 FAQs in the final part.)

Production Roadmap

Part 1 — Introduction, What Makes a Destination Underrated & Editorial Methodology

Part 2 — Satpura, Bhitarkanika, Eaglenest, Dibru-Saikhowa & Tal Chhapar

Part 3 — Namdapha, Bhadra, Daroji, Kuno & Nokrek

Part 4 — Choosing the Right Destination, Planning Tips, Comparison Tables

Part 5 — Common Mistakes, FAQs, Conclusion & Complete Editorial Review

Part 1

Most Underrated Wildlife Destinations in India

India’s wildlife tourism is often associated with a handful of famous tiger reserves such as Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Kanha. These parks deserve their popularity, but they represent only a small part of the country’s protected-area network. Across India are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that receive far fewer visitors while offering distinctive habitats, rewarding wildlife encounters, and a quieter experience. 

This guide focuses on those lesser-known destinations. Here, “underrated” does not mean unknown or unimportant. Instead, it refers to places that combine strong ecological value, memorable wildlife experiences, and relatively low visitor pressure compared with India’s best-known safari destinations. Many protect habitats or species that cannot be experienced elsewhere, making them worthwhile choices for travellers seeking more than a conventional tiger safari. 

Whether your interests lie in birdwatching, wildlife photography, mangrove ecosystems, rare mammals, or simply spending time in quieter forests, these destinations offer alternatives that deserve far more attention.

What Makes a Wildlife Destination Underrated?

Not every less-visited park is underrated. Some remain quiet because of limited tourism infrastructure or challenging access, while others simply exist outside mainstream travel itineraries. For this article, each destination has been selected using practical criteria that matter to wildlife travellers.

Lower Visitor Numbers Without Compromising Wildlife Value

Many popular parks receive heavy tourist traffic during peak season. In contrast, underrated destinations often provide a more relaxed experience, allowing visitors to appreciate wildlife, landscapes, and natural sounds with fewer vehicles and smaller crowds.

Biodiversity Beyond Tigers

India’s wildlife extends far beyond its famous big cats. Several lesser-known protected areas are recognised for mangrove ecosystems, wetlands, grasslands, endemic birds, sloth bears, crocodiles, river dolphins, or Eastern Himalayan biodiversity. Choosing these places broadens your understanding of India’s natural heritage rather than limiting wildlife travel to tiger sightings alone.

Distinctive Habitats

Each destination featured in this guide represents a different ecological setting—from Central Indian forests and desert grasslands to coastal mangroves and remote Himalayan landscapes. Habitat diversity often determines the wildlife you are most likely to encounter and shapes the overall travel experience.

A Better Fit for Different Traveller Types

An underrated destination may suit your interests better than a famous safari park. Birdwatchers, photographers, families, and travellers seeking a slower pace may find these locations more rewarding than crowded tiger reserves.

Field Note: The most memorable wildlife experiences are not always defined by the rarity of the animal you see. Quiet forests, fewer safari vehicles, and time to observe natural behaviour often create richer and more meaningful encounters.

How This Guide Selected These Destinations

The destinations in this article were chosen using a consistent editorial approach based on the research brief. Factors considered include:

• Ecological significance and habitat diversity.
• Signature wildlife and conservation importance.
• Lower tourist pressure compared with well-known parks.
• Variety of wildlife experiences beyond traditional jeep safaris.
• Practical value for different types of travellers.
• Representation of different regions and ecosystems across India.

Rather than ranking these destinations from best to worst, the guide highlights what each location does particularly well. The ideal choice depends on your interests, travel style, preferred wildlife, and the kind of experience you hope to have.

End of Part 1.

Part 2

Most Underrated Wildlife Destinations in India

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Satpura National Park is one of the best choices for travellers who want a quieter Central Indian safari without sacrificing wildlife diversity. While nearby parks such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench attract much larger visitor numbers, Satpura offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a wider range of nature-based activities.

Why It Is Underrated

Satpura has long been recognised by wildlife enthusiasts for its intact forests and varied safari experiences, yet it remains overlooked by many first-time visitors. Instead of focusing solely on tiger sightings, the park encourages visitors to appreciate the forest as a complete ecosystem.

Signature Wildlife

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Sloth bear
• Gaur
• Indian giant squirrel
• Rich birdlife

The combination of predators, herbivores, and diverse bird species makes Satpura rewarding even when a tiger remains elusive.

Habitat

The landscape includes dense forests, sandstone hills, valleys, rivers, and reservoirs, creating a variety of habitats that support diverse wildlife.

Best For

• Wildlife photographers
• Repeat safari visitors
• Families seeking quieter safaris
• Travellers interested in immersive forest experiences

Photography Tip: Early morning light filtering through Satpura’s forests often creates atmospheric conditions ideal for landscape and wildlife photography, even without close animal sightings.

Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha

If your idea of wildlife extends beyond forests and big cats, Bhitarkanika National Park offers one of India’s most distinctive ecosystems. Instead of jeep safaris, visitors explore extensive mangrove waterways where reptiles, birds, and estuarine wildlife dominate the experience.

Why It Is Underrated

Many wildlife travellers overlook Bhitarkanika because it is not known for tiger safaris. However, its mangrove ecosystem supports remarkable biodiversity and provides experiences unavailable in most other Indian protected areas.

Signature Wildlife

• Saltwater crocodile
• Estuarine birds
• Migratory birds
• Mangrove wildlife

The park is particularly important for those interested in wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

Habitat

An intricate network of mangrove forests, tidal creeks, mudflats, and estuaries forms one of India’s most important coastal wildlife habitats.

Best For

• Birdwatchers
• Nature photographers
• Families
• Wildlife travellers interested in wetlands
• Visitors seeking boat-based wildlife experiences

Responsible Tourism Tip: Boat safaris offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, but maintaining quiet surroundings and respecting animal distances is especially important in sensitive mangrove habitats.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary has earned an international reputation among birdwatchers while remaining relatively unknown to mainstream wildlife tourists. Its forests support exceptional biodiversity and attract visitors interested in rare Himalayan birds rather than traditional safari mammals.

Why It Is Underrated

Despite its scientific importance and remarkable avian diversity, Eaglenest receives only a fraction of the visitors seen in India’s famous national parks. Its remote location contributes to its low tourist numbers.

Signature Wildlife

• Hornbills
• Rare Himalayan birds
• Forest mammals
• Eastern Himalayan biodiversity

Habitat

Steep mountain forests spanning different elevations create varied ecological zones that support numerous bird and animal species.

Best For

• Birdwatchers
• Wildlife photographers
• Experienced naturalists
• Travellers exploring Northeast India

Field Note: Wildlife viewing here rewards patience. Rather than searching for a single flagship species, visitors often experience the richness of an entire forest ecosystem.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam

Located in the floodplains of Assam, Dibru-Saikhowa showcases a very different side of Indian wildlife. Rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and forests combine to create habitats that support birds, riverine wildlife, and numerous other species.

Why It Is Underrated

The park is overshadowed by Assam’s famous Kaziranga National Park, yet it offers excellent opportunities for travellers interested in wetlands and river ecosystems.

Signature Wildlife

• Migratory birds
• Wetland wildlife
• Riverine species

Habitat

Floodplain forests, marshes, grasslands, and river channels define this dynamic landscape.

Best For

• Birdwatchers
• Wildlife photographers
• Nature enthusiasts
• Travellers seeking quieter protected areas

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Tal Chhapar demonstrates that outstanding wildlife experiences are not limited to forests. This compact grassland sanctuary is especially attractive for visitors interested in open landscapes and grassland species.

Why It Is Underrated

Many Rajasthan visitors focus on desert tourism or tiger reserves, overlooking one of India’s finest grassland ecosystems.

Signature Wildlife

• Blackbuck
• Raptors
• Grassland birds
• Migratory birds

Habitat

Open grasslands with scattered shrubs provide ideal conditions for grazing antelope and hunting birds of prey.

Best For

• Birdwatchers
• Wildlife photographers
• Weekend travellers
• First-time wildlife visitors

Decision Guide: Which of These Five Destinations Matches Your Interests?

End of Part 2.

Part 3

Most Underrated Wildlife Destinations in India (Continued)

Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park is one of India’s largest and most biologically diverse protected areas. Its remote location and challenging terrain mean it attracts relatively few visitors, but those willing to travel here experience one of the country’s most extensive wilderness landscapes.

Why It Is Underrated

Unlike parks developed primarily for jeep safaris, Namdapha offers a true wilderness experience. The emphasis here is on exploring a vast natural landscape rather than maximizing wildlife sightings within a short visit.

Signature Wildlife

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Rare forest mammals
• Exceptional bird diversity

The park is especially valued for its ecological importance and habitat diversity rather than predictable sightings of any single species.

Habitat

Dense evergreen forests, rivers, valleys, and mountain ecosystems combine to create one of India’s richest natural landscapes.

Best For

• Experienced wildlife travellers
• Birdwatchers
• Nature photographers
• Adventure-oriented visitors

Expert Tip: Namdapha rewards travellers who appreciate forests as living ecosystems. Visit with realistic expectations—wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, but the overall wilderness experience is exceptional.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Western Ghats’ lesser-known wildlife destinations. Although it receives less publicity than Bandipur or Nagarhole, it protects an important section of one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Why It Is Underrated

The sanctuary often remains outside mainstream safari itineraries despite offering rich forests, varied wildlife, and comparatively peaceful tourism.

Signature Wildlife

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Asiatic elephant
• Gaur
• Diverse birdlife

Habitat

Moist deciduous and evergreen forests, hills, reservoirs, and river valleys create excellent wildlife habitat throughout the sanctuary.

Best For

• Wildlife photographers
• Families
• Western Ghats travellers
• Visitors seeking quieter safari experiences

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka

Most Indian wildlife destinations are known for tigers or elephants. Daroji is different because it protects one of India’s most important habitats for sloth bears, making it a highly specialized wildlife destination.

Why It Is Underrated

Travellers often overlook Daroji simply because it lacks the profile of India’s famous national parks. However, anyone interested in observing sloth bears should consider it one of the country’s most distinctive protected areas.

Signature Wildlife

• Sloth bear
• Grassland wildlife
• Dry forest birds

Habitat

Rocky hills, scrub forests, and dry deciduous vegetation provide ideal conditions for sloth bears and other wildlife adapted to arid landscapes.

Best For

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Mammal photographers
• Repeat visitors to Karnataka

Field Note: Visiting a sanctuary dedicated to a single flagship species often provides a deeper understanding of its behaviour, habitat, and conservation challenges than a general safari destination.

Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Kuno National Park has gained national attention in recent years because of major wildlife conservation initiatives. Beyond these developments, it remains an attractive destination with healthy forests and comparatively low visitor pressure.

Why It Is Underrated

Many visitors know Kuno because of conservation news, yet relatively few include it in their wildlife travel plans. As tourism gradually develops, it offers an opportunity to experience a protected landscape before it reaches the popularity of Central India’s established safari circuit.

Signature Wildlife

• Leopard
• Herbivores
• Rich birdlife
• Dry forest species

Habitat

Dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats support a wide variety of wildlife.

Best For

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Conservation-minded travellers
• Photographers
• Visitors interested in India’s evolving protected-area network

Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya

Located within the Garo Hills, Nokrek National Park protects an important section of Meghalaya’s forest ecosystem. It is among the least-visited national parks in the country, making it ideal for travellers seeking solitude and biodiversity.

Why It Is Underrated

Nokrek receives little mainstream tourism despite its ecological significance and location within one of India’s biodiversity-rich regions.

Signature Wildlife

• Forest mammals
• Diverse birdlife
• Eastern Himalayan biodiversity

Habitat

Subtropical forests, rolling hills, and high-rainfall ecosystems create lush habitats that differ markedly from Central Indian forests.

Best For

• Nature lovers
• Birdwatchers
• Slow travellers
• Visitors exploring Northeast India

Comparison Table: Top Underrated Wildlife Destinations at a Glance

*Exact visiting periods vary by destination and local management regulations.

Photography Tip: Instead of choosing a destination solely for one iconic species, consider whether forests, wetlands, grasslands, or mangroves better match the type of wildlife photography you enjoy. Habitat often influences photographic opportunities as much as the animals themselves.

End of Part 3.

Part 4

Which Underrated Wildlife Destination Is Right for You?

There is no single “best” underrated wildlife destination in India. The right choice depends on what you hope to experience. Some parks are ideal for seeing diverse habitats, while others specialise in birds, wetlands, mangroves, or particular mammals. Choosing a destination based on your interests usually leads to a more satisfying trip than simply following popularity.

Best Destinations by Traveller Type

If You Want a Classic Safari Experience Without Heavy Crowds

Choose: Satpura National Park or Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Both offer forest safaris, diverse mammals, and opportunities to enjoy the jungle at a slower pace than many of India’s busiest tiger reserves. They are well suited to travellers who enjoy spending time in the forest rather than chasing a single sighting.

If Birdwatching Is Your Priority

Choose: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, or Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Each represents a different ecosystem.

• Eaglenest is known for Eastern Himalayan forest birds.
• Dibru-Saikhowa combines wetlands and floodplains that attract numerous resident and migratory species.
• Tal Chhapar offers excellent opportunities to observe raptors and grassland birds in open landscapes.

Rather than competing with one another, these destinations complement each other by showcasing India’s remarkable range of bird habitats. 

If You Enjoy Wildlife Photography

Look beyond the chance of photographing a tiger.

Some of India’s most rewarding wildlife images come from distinctive landscapes and natural behaviour.

Good choices include:

• Satpura for atmospheric forest scenes.
• Bhitarkanika for mangrove waterways and crocodiles.
• Tal Chhapar for birds of prey in open grasslands.
• Eaglenest for forest birds.

Photography Tip: Parks with fewer safari vehicles often allow more time to observe behaviour, experiment with compositions, and photograph landscapes without distractions.

If You’re Travelling with Family

Families often benefit more from destinations that provide relaxed wildlife experiences than those known for intense tourism.

Suitable options include:

• Satpura National Park
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhitarkanika National Park

These destinations offer varied landscapes and wildlife without the constant pressure of crowded safari routes.

If You Want to See Rare Habitats

Instead of focusing on mammals alone, choose destinations based on ecosystems.

This approach gives travellers a broader appreciation of India’s ecological diversity.

Famous Wildlife Destination vs Underrated Alternative

Underrated destinations should not be viewed as replacements for India’s famous parks. Instead, they offer different experiences.

The goal is not to decide which park is “better,” but to match the destination to your interests.

Planning Your Trip

Choose the Right Season

Every wildlife destination has its own seasonal rhythm.

• Forest parks often become easier for wildlife viewing during the dry months, when vegetation is thinner and animals concentrate around water sources.
• Wetlands are generally at their best when migratory birds arrive.
• Mountain forests can vary considerably with weather and accessibility.

Rather than relying on a single “best month” for all parks, check the seasonal conditions for your chosen destination before making reservations. 

Research Access Before You Travel

Some underrated destinations have fewer tourism facilities than India’s major safari parks.

Before travelling, confirm:

• Park opening season.
• Entry permit requirements.
• Safari or boat availability.
• Accommodation options.
• Road conditions, particularly in remote regions.

Less-developed tourism infrastructure is often part of what makes these destinations attractive, but it also requires more planning.

Travel Responsibly

Many of these protected areas receive relatively low visitor numbers, making responsible behaviour especially important.

Follow basic wildlife ethics:

• Keep a respectful distance from animals.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Avoid loud conversations or music.
• Stay on designated routes.
• Follow instructions from guides and forest staff.
• Dispose of waste responsibly.

Responsible Tourism Tip: Choosing locally owned accommodation and certified local guides helps ensure that tourism benefits communities living alongside protected areas while supporting long-term conservation.

Practical Checklist Before You Go

✔ Confirm the park is open during your travel dates.

✔ Book permits or safaris in advance where required.

✔ Carry binoculars for birds and distant wildlife.

✔ Pack neutral-coloured clothing.

✔ Bring rain protection if travelling during transitional seasons.

✔ Carry drinking water and sun protection.

✔ Travel with realistic expectations—wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

One of the greatest rewards of visiting underrated wildlife destinations is the opportunity to appreciate the forest, wetland, or grassland as a living ecosystem rather than measuring success by a checklist of animal sightings.

End of Part 4.

next

Part 5 (Final)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Underrated Wildlife Destination

Choosing an offbeat wildlife destination can be rewarding, but it also requires different expectations from a visit to India’s famous tiger reserves. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you plan a more enjoyable and realistic trip.

Expecting Every Park to Deliver Tiger Sightings

Many underrated destinations are known for habitats, birdlife, wetlands, or specialised wildlife rather than large predators. If your primary goal is to maximise tiger sightings, a well-established tiger reserve may be a better fit.

Instead, choose underrated parks for what makes them unique, whether that’s mangrove ecosystems, grasslands, sloth bears, or Eastern Himalayan biodiversity.

Judging a Destination Only by Its Popularity

A park with fewer visitors is not necessarily less rewarding. Many protected areas receive limited tourism because of their location, specialised wildlife, or lower commercial promotion rather than a lack of biodiversity.

Trying to Cover Too Many Parks in One Trip

India’s underrated wildlife destinations are spread across very different regions. Combining Central India, the Northeast, and coastal Odisha into a single itinerary usually results in excessive travel and limited time in each destination.

A better approach is to explore one region thoroughly and return later for another.

Ignoring Habitat Differences

A mangrove national park offers a completely different experience from a grassland sanctuary or Himalayan forest.

Understanding the habitat helps set realistic expectations about:

• Wildlife encounters
• Photography opportunities
• Safari style
• Climate
• Accessibility

Choosing a Destination Without Considering Your Interests

Instead of asking, “Which park is the best?”

Ask:

• Do I enjoy birdwatching?
• Do I want classic jeep safaris?
• Am I interested in wetlands or forests?
• Is photography my priority?
• Am I looking for solitude or iconic wildlife?

Matching the destination to your interests almost always leads to a better wildlife trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a wildlife destination underrated?

An underrated wildlife destination combines strong biodiversity, rewarding visitor experiences, and relatively low tourist numbers compared with India’s best-known national parks. It is not necessarily unknown or difficult to reach.

Are underrated wildlife destinations better than famous tiger reserves?

Not necessarily. They simply offer different experiences. Famous tiger reserves are often the best choice for travellers focused on big-cat safaris, while underrated destinations may be better for birdwatching, wetlands, photography, or quieter nature experiences.

Which underrated destination is best for first-time wildlife travellers?

Satpura National Park is an excellent starting point because it combines good tourism infrastructure with diverse wildlife and a less crowded atmosphere than many famous Central Indian parks. 

Which destination is best for birdwatching?

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary are among the strongest choices, each representing different habitats and bird communities. 

Which park is best for wildlife photography?

There is no universal answer. Satpura offers varied forest landscapes, Bhitarkanika provides unique mangrove scenery, Tal Chhapar excels for grassland photography, and Eaglenest is particularly attractive to bird photographers.

Are these destinations suitable for families?

Yes, several are. Satpura, Bhadra, and Bhitarkanika generally suit families looking for slower-paced wildlife experiences, provided travel logistics match the age and interests of the group.

Do I need permits?

Many protected areas require entry permits or guided safaris, while requirements vary between parks. Always check the latest rules through the relevant forest department before travelling.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal season depends on the destination and the wildlife you hope to see. Forest parks, wetlands, mangroves, and Himalayan sanctuaries each have different seasonal patterns.

Are underrated parks always difficult to reach?

No. Some require longer journeys, particularly in Northeast India, but others are relatively accessible and simply receive less tourism than India’s headline wildlife destinations.

Can I expect guaranteed wildlife sightings?

No. Wildlife remains wild, and sightings depend on habitat, weather, season, and luck. One of the pleasures of visiting underrated destinations is appreciating the broader ecosystem rather than focusing on a single species.

Conclusion

India’s wildlife is far more diverse than its famous tiger reserves suggest. From the mangrove waterways of Bhitarkanika and the floodplains of Dibru-Saikhowa to the grasslands of Tal Chhapar and the forests of Satpura, the country’s lesser-known protected areas showcase habitats and wildlife that many travellers never experience.

Rather than viewing these destinations as alternatives to India’s iconic parks, think of them as opportunities to discover different aspects of the country’s natural heritage. Some are ideal for birdwatching, others for photography or quiet forest exploration, while several protect ecosystems and species found nowhere else.

The most rewarding wildlife trip is rarely determined by popularity alone. It comes from choosing a destination that matches your interests, travelling with realistic expectations, and taking the time to appreciate the landscape as much as the wildlife itself. By doing so, you’ll not only enjoy a richer travel experience but also help support a wider network of protected areas that play an essential role in conserving India’s extraordinary biodiversity.