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Mammals of the Ghats and Plains: Portraits from the Field

bySunjoy MongaAvailable online; takes projects across IndiaStarts from₹30,000 per photo-essayView full gallery

From the misty, high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats to the dry, deciduous forests of Central India, each mammal tells a distinct story of survival. These images capture the candid, raw behaviors of our wild heritage.

The Lion-tailed Macaque, with its iconic mane, is a primate restricted to a narrow belt of evergreen forests. This individual's expressive face, framed by a fuzzy, rain-dampened mane, seems to hold the wisdom of its fragile habitat.

A close-up portrait of the Lion-tailed Macaque reveals its intense, intelligent eyes. This endangered primate, nicknamed the 'beard ape', is a symbol of the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

The Nilgiri Tahr is a wild goat found only in the high-altitude grasslands of the southern Western Ghats. This portrait shows its elegant, back-curving horns and the calm, watchful eyes of a creature perfectly adapted to its wind-swept, rocky home.

A Nilgiri Tahr stands amidst the tall grasses, its form partially obscured by mist. With a total population estimated at no more than 3000, every sighting of this endangered animal feels like a privilege.

In the lowland jungles of Northeast India, the evening sun casts a magical glow on this Capped Langur. Its jewel-like, glowing eyes seem to speak of the magic and mystery of its arboreal world.

The Indian or Malabar Giant Squirrel can reach a length of three feet, tail included. This intensely colored, strictly arboreal creature adds a splash of rich maroon and black to the forest canopy of the Western Ghats.

A Malabar Giant Squirrel peers through the leaves, its bright eyes ever watchful. These spirited and highly vocal animals are a constant delight to observe as they navigate the high branches of the evergreen jungle.

The hard, woody shell of a Bael fruit is no match for the powerful jaws of a Sambar deer. It was quite a sight to watch this large deer break open the fruit to get at the nutritious pulp inside, a fascinating trial of life in the Central Indian wilds.

With a great effort, the Sambar deer manages to crack the Wood Apple. This behavior showcases the intelligence and persistence of wildlife in utilizing every available food source in their environment.

Two Spotted Deer stags lock antlers in a test of strength. While these fights can be intense, they are a crucial part of life in the wild, establishing dominance and ensuring the strongest genes are passed on.

About Mammals of the Ghats and Plains

These photographs are not just about the animal, but about the specific environment they call home. Whether I am tracking the Lion-tailed Macaque in its evergreen sanctuary or documenting the foraging behavior of Sambar deer in the central plains, I focus on the authentic narrative of the field rather than the pursuit of a static, perfect portrait.

Documenting India's wildlife for 30+ years. — Approved by the tribe
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Sunjoy Monga

Available online; takes projects across IndiaStarts from ₹30,000 per photo-essay

I'm Sunjoy Monga, and my work is fueled by the drama and wonder found in our wild spaces. I don't just capture portraits; I document the daily trials, behaviors, and survival stories of India's mammals, blending my naturalist background with the lens to make the wild feel real to you.

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