India has a vast variety of wildlife. A number of these are on the verge of extinction instead of a safe habitat. Poaching, habitat destruction and climate change have brought these animals scarily near to vanishing into thin air. Following ten most endangered Indian animal species that now cry out for urgent attention and protection.
Habitat
Gir National Park, Gujarat
Population
Approx. 500
Threats
Limited habitat, human-wildlife conflict, disease
The Asiatic Lion once roamed a huge range in Asia, now reduced to a single population in the Gir forest of Gujarat. Conservation efforts have contributed towards stabilising the lion population, but the limited range puts them under very high vulnerability.
Habitat
Many tiger reserves and national parks scattered throughout India
Population
Roughly 3,600 individuals
Threats
Poaching and habitat destruction
As the national animal of India, the Bengal Tiger is misused but also poses threats like poaching and destruction of habitat. Many of the tiger populations have stabilized due to conservation projects like Project Tiger, but the work has to continue.
Habitat
Himalayan regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
Population
About 500 individuals are found in India
Threats
Poaching, habitat loss and climate change
The elusive Snow Leopard is a predator that thrives in places very high above the ground and becomes a vital part of the well-being of the Himalayan ecosystem. Conservation efforts focus on managing and conserving its habitat as well as mitigating human-wildlife conflict through awareness and education.
Habitat
Assam, West Bengal and part of Uttar Pradesh
Population
Approximately 3,700 individuals
Threats
Poaching and habitat destruction
One-horned Rhinoceros used to be found almost throughout northern India, but it is mostly found in few national parks of norh and east India, among which Kaziranga National Park is famous for it. The strict anti-poaching measures have led to an increase in their number.
Habitat
Grasslands and open forests across India
Population
Approximately 25,000 individuals
Threats
Poaching, habitat loss and predation by stray dogs
The Blackbuck, known for its elegant spiralled horns, has suffered a huge decline in numbers due to hunting and destruction of habitat, but present conservation efforts have managed to stabilise the population, which still requires ongoing protection.
Habitat
Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Population
Approximately 4,000
Threats
Habitat loss and deforestation
This unique primate with its silver mane and tufted tail is very much dependent on undisturbed rain forests. The key to its survival will lie in the protection of its habitat.
Habitat
Western Ghats, mainly Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Population
About 3,000
Threats
Habitat loss and hunting
Nilgiri Tahr is one of the mountain goats living in steep, rocky terrains. Population growth has been achieved through conservation programs, but hazards still exist.
Habitat
Eastern Himalayas comprising Sikkim, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh
Population
Worldwide, approximately 5,000-6,000 cubs
Threats
Habitat loss and poaching
In deep woods, is a live Red Panda endangered. Since this animal cannot weave through human development, it is under intense threat from deforestation as well as poaching and the conservation efforts are habitat restoration and anti-poaching action.
Habitat
Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems
Population
Estimated at 1,200 to 1,800 individuals
Threats
Water pollution, habitat fragmentation and accidental capture in fishing nets
Few species have found their habitat in freshwater bodies among them only the Ganges River Dolphin. With pollution and increasing activities by humans, numbers have dropped rapidly. Conservation programs mainly focus on cleaning rivers and preventing accidental dolphin deaths to save the species.
Habitat
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh
Population
Fewer than 150 individuals
Threats
Habitat loss, poaching and power line strikes
Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds and is critically endangered species. Habitat destruction and power lines add to threats. Conservationists are at work to keep the remaining populations safe.
Support Conservation Programs
Donate to organisations working to protect wildlife
Reduce Habitat Destruction
Avoid buying products that contribute to deforestation
Raise Awareness
Educate others about endangered species and their importance
Report Illegal Activities
Inform authorities about poaching or habitat destruction
Biodiversity is the heritage of a state. Acting now makes it possible to witness these creatures in action in future generations. Let us get together and save them before it is too late.