ying at the foot of the Bhutan hills (Eastern Himalayas), the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary with its panoramic view, covering an area of 216 sq. km., has special significance by maintaining remnants of terai grasslands harbouring endangered Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). In the last few decades duars grassland and chaurs, which were abode of several animals, has decreased due to increase in cultivation area, expansion of Tea Estates and human habitation. As a result, wild buffalo, Gharial, Swamp partridge, Swamp deer (Barasingha) and Pink-headed Duck have became extinct in this region.
Drained by rivers Torsa, Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka and Budhi Torsa, the Sanctuary provides extensive grasslands to the wild animals, becoming the last refuge to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The major animals seen in the Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard,        Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Cheetal, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Indian Gaur, Hispid Hare and a variety of avifauna including endangered Bengal florican. The sanctuary has 33 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 8 species of turtles and 30 species of fishes.