Six Indian animals that spend most of their lives underground

India is home to a variety of unusual animals that spend a significant portion of their lives hidden beneath the ground. Here are six such creatures:

1. Indian pangolin - This scaly mammal is rarely seen in the wild because it spends much of its time in underground burrows. Active primarily at night, the pangolin feeds on ants and termites, curling into a protective ball when threatened.

2. Indian crested porcupine - Known for its sharp quills, this porcupine prefers to hide in underground burrows during the day. Emerging at night, it forages for roots, tubers, and other plant material.

3. Indian desert gerbil - Adapted to extreme desert conditions, this small rodent spends most of its life in burrows. It emerges to forage for food during cooler parts of the day.

4. Indian hedgehog - Found in arid regions of northwestern India, this small mammal remains hidden in burrows during the day. Nocturnal by nature, it forages for food under the cover of darkness.

5. Lesser bandicoot rat, or Indian mole-rat - This burrowing rodent creates extensive underground tunnel systems. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on plant material while remaining hidden from predators.

6. Indian sand-swimmer - This unique reptile found in India's sandy deserts moves through sand almost as if swimming. Spending much of its time underground, it emerges to forage when conditions permit.