Found nowhere else: 10 rare asian animals you’ve never heard of
Asia is home to extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else. From the elusive saola to the tree-dwelling red panda, these rare species showcase the continent’s rich biodiversity and unique natural wonders.
Proboscis Monkey – Borneo: This monkey is native to mangrove forests in Borneo and is distinguished by its bulbous, long nose and fine swimming abilities. (Image: Canva)
2/10
Asiatic Lion – India: Existing only in Gujarat's Gir Forest, the Asiatic lion is a rare breed with a characteristic belly fold and less mane than African lions. (Image: Canva)
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Saola – Laos and Vietnam: Fondly referred to as the "Asian Unicorn," the saola is among the most elusive antelopes in the world, discovered in the Annamite Mountains. (Image: Canva)
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Bengal Slow Loris – Southeast Asia: The large-eyed, nocturnal primate, the Bengal slow loris, inhabits Bangladesh's and Northeast India's and Myanmar's forests. (Image: Canva)
Red Panda – Eastern Himalayas: The red panda is native to the Himalayas and southwestern China and is a tree-dwelling, reddish-brown-colored mammal with a bushy tail. (Image: Canva)
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Irrawaddy Dolphin – South and Southeast Asia: A freshwater and coastal dolphin that is not easily seen, it has a rounded head and can be found in Asian rivers and coastal waters. (Image: Canva)
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Binturong – South and Southeast Asia: Also referred to as the bearcat, the binturong is a forest-dwelling mammal with a smell that is comparable to buttered popcorn, and it inhabits dense rainforests. (Image: Canva)
8/10
Malayan Tapir – Malaysia and Indonesia: It is the largest among the tapir species, and it features a black-and-white coloration and inhabits Southeast Asian rainforests. (Image: Canva)
Pangolin – Different Regions of Asia: With protective scales covering it, pangolin is an Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian nocturnal mammal. (Image: Canva)
10/10
Clouded Leopard – Southeast Asia: A wild cat with cloud-like spots of medium size, the clouded leopard occurs in Himalayan foothill forests through to mainland Southeast Asia. (Image: Canva)
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![Saola – Laos and Vietnam: Fondly referred to as the "Asian Unicorn," the saola is among the most elusive antelopes in the world, discovered in the Annamite Mountains. (Image: Canva)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250814094908_4.jpg "Saola – Laos and Vietnam: Fondly referred to as the "Asian Unicorn," the saola is among the most elusive antelopes in the world, discovered in the Annamite Mountains. (Image: Canva)")
