A fish without a river is like an endangered species act without the means to enforce habitat protection. India has many unique animals/birds that can't be found anywhere else.
Unfortunately, many endangered animals in India are facing severe threats. Preserving these species and their natural areas is crucial since everyone relies upon them. Their existence is vital beyond mere convenience; it's a matter of life and death.
Stick with us! In this article, we are focusing on seven endangered animals in India. You need to witness them in 2024 before they vanish.
7 Endangered Animals In India
List of 7 endangered animals in India.
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal Tiger, also known as Panthera Tigris Tigris, is an endangered species that came to light in India. They are a cornerstone of Indian beliefs and values. Tigers that once rambled around freely in large numbers are now ghosts in their comfort zone. The Bengal Tiger population in India has seen a sharp decline over time. In the early 1900s, it was estimated to be around 40,000. By the 1972 census, only about 1,800 tigers were officially noted.
There's always hope! Like a stone, the drop led to the foundation of “Project Tiger” in 1973. The width of the mark was to keep a viable tiger population and watch over areas of biological importance. Thanks to these efforts, India’s tiger population has dropped recently.
The latest tiger survey in India notes over 2,900 Bengal Tigers in 2019. These numbers show that wildlife protection efforts have pitched in to stabilize and increase the population. Still, The Bengal Tiger remains classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN. Such classification is due to threats such as;
Poaching
Habitat loss
A decline in prey density
“ The Bengal Tiger is an icon of India’s natural legacy, and its conservation is crucial for the environmental balance” - Gopal, Former Member-Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority of India.
Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) is a vulnerable species discovered in the high-altitude regions of India. They are built for snow with a thick, smoky-gray coat. Their spots look like rosettes dusted with pepper. These sublime cats’ ranks have been switched gears from “endangered” to “vulnerable” by IUCN in 2017. Such changes indicate a decrease in the risk of extinction.
They are only estimated to be around 400-700, about 10% of the global population. The main threats to Snow Leopard in India include;
Habitat loss and degradation
Fragmentation
Overgrazing
Poaching
Retribution killing due to livestock depredation.
But no worries! Some conservation efforts take place in India to save these ghostly cats, which include;
The establishment of protected areas
Livestock insurance schemes
Grazing set-aside areas
Community engagement
Research programs.
“Experts are worried about the future of the snow leopard, a type of leopard that lives in Asia because it is at risk. Intense conservation efforts are direly needed to whittle down this risk. They evaluate the global population to number less than 10,000 mature creatures. Also, they look forward to the species going downhill by about 10% by 2040.” - Jen, sustainability expert.
Asiatic Lion
The Asiatic Lion (Panthera Leo Persica) is an endemic species of India. It is restricted to the Gir National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat, India. Its previous habitats included West Asia and the Middle East before it became extinct in these regions. These animals are the icons, with their flowing manes and powerful presence.
Major threats that decrease their population include;
Vulnerability to unpredictable events
Poaching
Retaliatory killing by locals for livestock attacks
Nonetheless, conservation efforts have helped increase the Asiatic Lion population. Yet, the subspecies remains the most endangered animal owing to its small population size and narrow range. As of 2020, the population was assessed at 674 entities, a 29% ramp-up from 2015.
“The Asiatic Lion is one of the most endangered animals in the world. Its small and solitary population in the Gir Vista makes it highly vulnerable to random events and disease outbreaks.” - Dr. Ravi Chellam, a wildlife biologist and former director of the Wildlife Trust of India.
Red Panda
The Red Panda is an endangered animal in India. It is primarily found in the following states;
Sikkim
West Bengal (Darjeeling district)
Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
These aren't related to the giant pandas. However, their fiery red fur and long, bushy tails are just as cute as a bumblebee. The red panda's world population is projected to be less than 10,000. Around 237-1,061 creatures are found in Nepal. In India, the Red Panda is included under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Consequently, it is recognized as a protected species.
Nonetheless, it faces various threats, such as;
Habitat loss
Poaching for its hide and body parts
Local communities highly rely on forest resources
Development activities
Natural disasters
Climate change.
Preservation campaigns are in full swing to keep the Red Panda and its home safe and sound in India. On the other hand, the government has marked the Red Panda as the state animal of Sikkim.
One Horned Rhinoceros
The Indian Rhinoceros, one-horned (Rhinoceros Unicornis), is among the most endangered animals in India. It is primarily found in Assam at;
Kaziranga
Pobitora
Manas National Parks
Orang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Also found in West Bengal at;
Jaldapara
Gorumara National Parks.
These breeds have a long history in India, with historical records dating back to the dawn of ancient times. However, poaching has left its population high and dry, with dramatic reductions in certain areas. For instance, in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, the population was wiped out in 1983 due to poaching during the Assam agitation.
The One-Horned Rhinoceros is a herbivore feeding on;
Grasses
Leaves
Flowers
Fruits
Berries
Roots
Floating aquatic plants.
They are solitary creatures with a lifespan of 45-50 years. Due to their giant size, they have no natural predators in the wild. Yet, weak and newborn individuals may be hunted by tigers and lions. Wildlife protection programs have set the wheel in motion to protect this endemic species of India.
Since 1975, the Indian Rhinoceros has been affirmed as endangered. The Indo-Nepalese Government has taken giant leaps to keep this animal under wraps. The Indian Government prohibited all hunting of rhinos in India. In 1984, five rhinos were moved lock, stock, and barrel to Dudhwa National Park.
Despite these efforts, poaching remains a sword of Damocles to the One-Horned Rhinoceros. They are poached for their horns, used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Shooting
Electrocution
Poisoning
The use of noose.
These are some of the trials and errors used by poachers to kill these animals.
Indian Bison (Gaur)
The Gaur, also called the Indian Bison, is a big cow-like animal. It is categorized as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. These beyond-belief creatures are the tallest wild cattle on the planet, a cut above your average bison. Interestingly, they're more kindred spirits than wild cows.
The Gaur is among the most significant wild cattle animals, with male adults weighing as much as 1,000 kg. They are found in the forests of;
India
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Thailand
Peninsular Malaysia
Myanmar
Bangladesh
Bhutan
China.
The global population of Gaurs is around 21,000 creatures. The lion's share (around 85%) is found in India. India's Gaur population was approximately 12,000-22,000 in the mid-1990s. Significant populations are found in protected areas like;
Nagarhole
Bandipur
Tadoba Andhari.
Unlike many other giant herbivores, Gaur doesn’t have many natural predators. So, what danger are they facing? Gaurs are threatened by;
Poaching
Hunting
Habitat loss outside of protected areas.
Their population has taken a nosedive by around 70% in recent decades. Conservation efforts, including cryo conservation of genetic resources, are being launched. These measures aim to protect the remaining Gaur population.
Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr is a critically endangered animal found in the Western Ghats of India. According to the A to Z report from WWF-India, there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr across its distribution range.
Yet, the species faces several threats, including;
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Livestock grazing
Poaching
The impact of invasive species.
The Nilgiri Tahr is a critically endangered animal on the IUCN Red List. It is guarded as securely as Fort Knox under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Environmental protection efforts by organizations like WWF-India have tunnel vision in assessing the population status. They are also identifying key threats. Also, they are developing a roadmap for the long-term maintenance of this unique mountain ungulate.
Conclusion:
India is home to several endangered animals, such as the Bengal Tiger, Red Panda, and One-Horned Rhinoceros. It's vital to Guarding these animals and their habitats like a hawk, not just for biodiversity. It is also an ace in the hole for the well-being of a sea of people who rely on healthy ecosystems. The decreasing forest cover in India threatens the survival of endangered species. India's wildlife is facing unforeseeable hurdles. The single ticking time bomb to the endangered animals in India is unsustainable development. It is fragmenting and destroying their natural habitats. We need to find a balance between economic progress and ecological preservation. So we can secure a future for these animals. In the comments, tell us how we can help these endangered animals in India.
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