Planet animal

Five of the world’s lesser-known wildlife spotting destinations.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal

More than 700 animal species, including Bengal tigers, rhinos and leopards, are found in this World Heritage-listed wildlife haven in south-central Nepal. The park also has what is thought to be the globe’s highest density of sloth bears.

North Cascades National Park, United States Known for its arresting snow-capped mountains and emerald-green glacial lakes, this 200,000-hectare reserve on the US-Canada border in Washington state is home to cougars, lynxes, coyotes and black bears. Grizzlies are endemic to the area and there are plans to boost their dwindling numbers.

Península Valdés, Argentina The peninsula’s 400-kilometre stretch of shoreline on the South Atlantic coast of Patagonia is a spectacular vantage point for sighting blubbery elephant seals, orcas, dolphins and penguins. The best time to see rare southern right whales is October, when they come to the area’s sheltered inlets to breed.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

It might be one of the country’s smallest national parks but it’s also densely packed with exquisite wildlife, including birds such as toucans, motmots and parakeets. Its border includes four beaches, where spotting whales and dolphins is a favourite visitors’ activity.

Daintree National Park, Australia

Australian native fauna isn’t just koalas and kangaroos. In Far North Queensland’s tropical rainforest, the flightless cassowary, which has a horn-like casque on its head and an electric-blue neck, is an extraordinary sight if you’re lucky enough to spot one darting through the bush.