List Of 10 Animals Found In India That Are Likely To Become Extinct

Vulnerable Animals In India:  India's nature is as versatile as its society, yet some of its animals are under severe threats. These threats can be due to plenty of reasons, like poaching, habitat loss, and human intrusion, all of which have brought several animal species to the edge of extinction. These vulnerable animals are not only a part of India's natural heritage but also a key factor for the sustenance of ecological balance in the country of billions. Only sustained and urgent conservation efforts can bring these animals continued survival for generations to come. Here’s a list of 10 animals that are found in India and are likely to become extinct, according to Earth.org. 

List Of 10 Animals Found In India That Are Likely To Become Extinct:

1. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

The snow leopard is found in the high-altitude Himalayas in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. It has an estimated population of about 718 in India, according to the first-ever survey of the animal in India, as the federal environment ministry states. Snow leopards are endangered in India due to poaching, fragmentation of their habitat, and retaliation by local herders.

2. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris)

India has over half of the world's wild Bengal tiger population, but their numbers continue to fall. Poaching for skins and body parts, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict are the primary threats. Tigers are mostly found in forests, mangroves, and grasslands across the country.

3. Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

Having once been widespread, the Asiatic lion is now confined to Gujarat's Gir Forest. Their narrow distribution makes them susceptible to disease, natural catastrophes, and habitat encroachment, even with recent population growth.

4. One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

The one-horned rhinoceros is most commonly seen in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and is poached for its horn. Habitat destruction and flooding pose threats to its survival, although continued efforts have stabilised some of its populations.

5. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)

This antelope with spiral horns live in grasslands and open forests. Blackbuck populations have declined drastically due to poaching and habitat loss because of agriculture and development.

6. Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)

Lion-tailed Macaque lives in the Western Ghats and is widely known for its silvery mane around the head. This animal is under threat due to habitat destruction, hunting, and accidents on roads. 

7. Resplendent Tree Frog (Raorchestes resplendens)

Resplendent Tree Frog  was found in 2010. It known for its rainbow-colour and is limited to just the Anamudi peak in Kerala. With its very small population and very restricted range, it is extremely susceptible to the loss of habitat.

8. Kashmiri Red Stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu)

Kashmiri Red Stag is also referred to as the Hangul. This deer is native to Kashmir forests. Its population has drastically decreased because of habitat loss, poaching, and severe winters.

9. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)

This goat is found in the Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats. Agricultural activities, invasive species, and poaching have resulted in the loss of its habitat and turned it into an endangered species.

10. Indian Bison (Gaur) (Bos gaurus)

The Indian Bison gaur, is the world's largest bovine and is found in forests throughout India. It is threatened by habitat fragmentation, hunting, and domestic cattle-borne diseases.

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