- By Poorva Karki
- Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
List Of Most Critically Endangered Species In India: Humanity, for sure, is standing on a ‘pedestal’ high enough that looking back might not be an option anymore. However, it also does not mean that attempts to slow down the coming repercussions caused by the unethical rapid growth should be dropped completely. Studies cannot be clearer about the fact that some ‘unwanted times’ are quite near, as far as disastrous mother nature is concerned, so the least we can do is try slowing the process down. And one factor among all this, that can help in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, is saving the ecosystem’s diverse animal species that we have.
With that said, we thought that for today, we should take a look at some of the animal species that are critically endangered, especially in India. It is so that we all can try and do whatever we can in order to not harm these already dwindling animal species. We have found some of the critically endangered Indian animal species. The list was compiled by ‘earth.org’.
List of critically endangered species/animals in India:
Bengal Tiger
Among all the tiger species, India’s Bengal Tigers are one of the most beautiful ones. They can survive in almost any kind of temperature, hot or cold, and in a number of habitats, including wetlands, dense forests, mangroves, and more. Yet, these striped beauties are one of the most critically endangered species not only in India but in the world as well. These tigers reportedly account for half the total tiger population. Apart from life-threatening tiger and human interactions, poaching and hunting are also some of the reasons behind their dwindling numbers.
Asiatic Lion
The next most critically endangered animal on the list is another big cat, the only difference is that this one is known for its beautiful mane, rather than stripes like the one mentioned above; the Asiatic Lion. These lions are only found in India and are endangered. In India, these big cats roam the vast lands of the Gir National Park and some other areas in Gujarat. With reportedly only 500 to 650 lions left, they were declared endangered in 2010 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Snow Leopard
It seems like we humans are completely lacking in protecting our ecosystem’s big cats because the third animal on the list of the most critically endangered species is yet again a furry big cat; the Snow Leopard. The Snow Leopard is native to South Asian mountains and is mostly found in Indian hilly states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. They can also be seen in Ladakh. For these ‘snowy’ beauties, human and animal conflict played a huge role in lessening their population. Reportedly, there are only around 500 Snow Leopards left in India.
One-horned Rhinoceros
Next on the list are the beautiful One-horned Rhinoceros. They have also faced a huge issue with their population, mostly because of their unique horns. These rhinoceros are native to the Indian subcontinent and are also popular by names like the great Indian rhinoceros, Indian rhino, or greater one-horned rhinoceros. These rhinos can weigh as heavy as 2.2 tonnes. However, in the last few years, the authorities have worked to save the species from becoming extinct.
Blackbuck
On the fifth spot on the list of the most critically endangered species in India are the Blackbucks. Blackbucks are also one of the most beautiful animals, which has also made them a major target for hunters and people who love trophy hunting. These species especially witnessed a mass drop in the last two decades, as the number was reportedly 80,000 in 1947, which has now shrunk down to just 8,000. These horned beauties were also sent to the US and Argentina, with the aim to increase their population.
Lion-Tailed Macaque
Coming to the second half of the list, on the sixth spot, we have the Lion-tailed Macaque. The name might suggest otherwise, but in reality, these animals are not a lion species and are, in fact, a primate species. Also known as wanderoo, they are found in the Western Ghats of South India. These unique monkeys carry a distinct look because of their whitish mane on either side of their face. They are one of the most critically endangered animals in India and are reportedly expected to reduce further down in number in coming years, due to factors like deforestation, loss of habitat, and more.
Resplendent Tree Frog
The next on the list are the beautiful Resplendent Tree Frogs. With a color unique enough, these frogs are one of the most critically endangered animals in the world and the country. Surprisingly enough, these unique-looking frogs were reportedly discovered recently in 2010. There are very few of these frogs left and are one of the major priorities for the authorities.
Kashmiri Red Stag
Coming to the next most critically endangered animal in India, we have the Kashmiri Red Stag. They were already too few in numbers even in the 90s to begin with, and now, the number has only shrunk further down. They are also a part of the ‘critically endangered species’ list by the IUCN and are only found in Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir. Loss of habitat and ‘land enrichment’ are reportedly some of the reasons behind the decline.
Nilgiri Tahr
The next on the list is another horned wild beauty that is found in India’s Kerala and Tamil Nadu; the Nilgiri Tahr. These mountain goats are one of the most endangered species in the world, and their number has majorly declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Reportedly, there are only 2,500 to 3,000 Nilgiri Tahrs left in the country.
Indian Bison (Gaur)
The last animal on the list of the most endangered animals in India is the Indian Bison, which is also known as Gaur. You might also recognise the animal from the famous energy drink Red Bull. Hunting and Poaching are some of the major reasons behind the species entering the ‘endangered’ list.