![The giant Malabar squirrel lives in the forests of India. [Image Arshad.ka5/Wikimedia]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/1/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/the-giant-malabar-squirrel-lives-in-the-forests-of-india-image-arshadka5wikimedia_2187909.jpg "The giant Malabar squirrel lives in the forests of India. [Image Arshad.ka5/Wikimedia]")
Rumours have it that, thanks to man, 60 percent of the animal population in this world has died over the last few decades. However, there still remain places where you can visit unusual and rare animals.
Visit the colourful giant squirrels of India, an island where the cats outnumber the human residents, the UK's only herd of reindeer, friendly feral pigs and rare bird species in New Zealand. Take a virtual tour of the animal world below.
Malabar Giant Squirrel - Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Most countries have comparatively boring brown or grey squirrels, but this area of India has one that is gorgeously hued. Besides being colourful, with shades of brown, maroon, orange and black, these critters can also grow as much as three feet in length. It is believed their colours help them to blend in with the sun-speckled canopy surrounding them. in India. They can be spotted in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, among the Western Ghats mountain range.
Cat Island - Tashirojima, Ishinomaki, Japan
Tashirojima, or Cat Island, is a place where cats outnumber humans. There are around 100 people living there, but hundreds of cats. While the animals are feral, residents ensure they are well-cared-for and well-fed. Cats are considered to bring good fortune, especially if you care for them. However, as the human population dwindles on the island, they haven’t had much luck yet. Still, with news of the island getting around, tourists are welcome, as long as they don’t bring the family dog!
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Reindeer House, Highland, Scotland, UK
Around 800 years ago the last wild reindeer disappeared in the UK. However, in 1952, Mikel Utsi from Sweden introduced a small herd, as conditions made it the only suitable area in the UK. Now there are around 150 free-range reindeer wandering around, but they aren’t exactly wild. They have been known to pull sleighs during the holiday season, but otherwise wander around as they wish. Sorry, kids, none of them have red noses!
Pig Beach - Big Major Cay, Bahamas
Big Major Cay is north of Staniel Cay in Bahamas’ Outer Exumas. This is a tiny island inhabited only by feral pigs. Boats are available to take visitors out there from Fowl Cay Resort and can be friendly, swimming up to your boat. Some people swim with the pigs in the clear, turquoise water. People are encouraged not to feed the pigs as this can endanger their health.
Kapiti Island Nature Reserve - Kapiti Coast, New Zealand
Most people hear New Zealanders being referred to as Kiwis. The kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand. This bird is about the size of a chicken and can be seen along with various other rare bird species on Kapiti Island. Conservation specialists eradicated rats, possums, cats, dogs and sheep from the island, allowing the rare bird populations to flourish. Reportedly only 68 visitors are allowed to visit the island each day.
