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- Over the past five decades, rapid growth in human population, development, and urbanisation has cleared millions of acres of forests worldwide, causing severe habitat and food loss for wildlife. A 2020 study warned that the sixth mass extinction is accelerating, with over 500 land animal species facing extinction within 20 years. India, one of the most densely populated countries, is witnessing intense land development and human encroachment, putting its rich biodiversity at great risk. Here’s a look at 10 endangered species in India that urgently need protection before they vanish forever.
1. Bengal Tiger
Bengal tigers account for nearly half of the world’s total tiger population, with about 70% residing in India. These majestic big cats are highly adaptable, thriving in a range of environments such as forests, mangroves, and wetlands, and enduring both hot and cold climates. However, their numbers have plummeted drastically. Bengal tigers face severe threats from poaching for their skin and body parts, trophy hunting, and habitat loss caused by urban expansion. Today, they occupy only 7% of their historic range, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild. In a densely populated country like India, human-wildlife conflicts further contribute to their decline, making their survival even more precarious.
2. Asiatic Lion
The Asiatic lion, slightly smaller than its African counterpart, is distinguished by a larger tail tuft and a unique belly fold. Once roaming across Southwest Asia to Eastern India, these majestic lions are now confined mainly to Gir National Park in Gujarat, India. Today, they are critically endangered, with only about 500–650 individuals left in the wild. Sadly, illegal electric fencing by farmers to protect crops often injures or kills lions. Additionally, the presence of around 20,000 open irrigation wells poses a deadly risk, as lions sometimes accidentally fall and drown in them.
3. Snow Leopard
Snow leopards, once widespread across Asia’s mountain ranges, are now mainly found in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of the Indian Himalayas. In India, their numbers have fallen to just around 500. Human activities are the major threat—hunting for fur, loss of prey due to livestock grazing, and habitat destruction from projects like hydroelectric dams and mining have severely impacted their survival. Additionally, with female snow leopards giving birth to only one or two cubs every two years, population recovery remains painfully slow.
4. One-horned Rhinoceros
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, primarily inhabits India and the foothills of the Himalayas. These magnificent animals have been heavily hunted for their horns, which are wrongly believed to possess medicinal properties. They are also targeted for damaging crops, and seasonal flooding forces them to seek higher ground, often resulting in human-wildlife conflicts. In the early 20th century, their population plummeted to as few as 200 individuals. However, thanks to strict conservation initiatives, their numbers have impressively risen to around 3,700 across northeastern India and Nepal’s Terai grasslands. This remarkable rebound is celebrated as one of the greatest conservation success stories in history.
5. Blackbuck
The blackbuck, or Indian antelope, became highly endangered due to extensive hunting during the princely era and severe habitat loss. From a population of 80,000 in 1947, numbers dropped to 8,000 within two decades. Thanks to conservation efforts, the population has now grown to about 25,000, but they still face threats from stray dog attacks, pesticides, and vehicle collisions. Blackbucks live in small herds across grasslands, dry scrublands, and lightly forested regions of India and have also been introduced to Argentina and the United States to support their survival.
6. Lion-tailed Macaque
The lion-tailed macaque is a rare monkey found only in the small, fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in South India. It is easily recognised by its distinctive silver-white mane surrounding its face. Today, only about 4,000 individuals remain in the wild, and experts warn their numbers could decline by over 20% in the next 25 years if threats like hunting, road accidents, and habitat destruction persist. These shy monkeys mostly live in the upper canopy of the rainforest. Sadly, ongoing deforestation and land clearing are shrinking their homes. Increasing dependence on human-provided food is also altering their natural behaviors, reducing the time they spend foraging in the wild.
7. Resplendent Tree Frog
Discovered in 2010 at the highest peak of the Western Ghats, this rare frog species is known for its vibrant orange colour and distinctive large glands covering its body. Called the glorious tree frog, it is incredibly rare and can only be found at the Anamudi summit in Kerala, within Eravikulam National Park. Scientists estimate that only about 300 individuals remain, highlighting the urgent need for immediate conservation efforts to protect this unique and endangered species.
8. Kashmiri Red Stag
The Kashmiri red stag, also known as Hangul, has long been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. It is also among the top 15 species prioritised for conservation by the Indian Government. These majestic stags are now mostly restricted to a small area of about 141 sq km within Dachigam National Park. In the early 1900s, their population was estimated at around 5,000, but by 1970, it had plummeted to just 150. As of 2015, only about 110 to 130 individuals remain. The sharp decline is largely due to habitat fragmentation, overgrazing, and a very low fawn-to-female ratio. Intensive conservation efforts are underway to tackle these challenges and ensure the survival of this critically endangered species in India.
9. Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat species, has seen its population drop to just around 2,500 to 3,000 individuals in the wild. Like many other species, they face serious threats from poaching and habitat loss. Today, they primarily survive in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, occupying less than 10% of their original range. However, climate change now poses an even greater danger. Living in high-altitude mountains, Nilgiri tahr are increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures, which could soon make their natural habitats unsuitable for survival.
10. Indian Bison (Gaur)
The Indian bison, also known as the gaur, is the largest and tallest wild cattle species native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. It faces significant threats from poaching, habitat loss, and food shortages caused by the destruction of grasslands. Interestingly, this majestic animal even served as the inspiration for the iconic Red Bull branding. Unfortunately, the Indian bison has lost over 70% of its population in many of its native regions. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, it is also protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which focuses on restoring native vegetation and regulating cattle grazing to safeguard the bison’s shrinking habitat.
Conclusion
The endangered species in India face numerous threats, including habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and the growing impact of climate change. Immediate and focused conservation efforts are essential to safeguard these species and their natural habitats. Collaboration among governments, conservation organisations, local communities, and individuals is critical for developing and implementing effective conservation strategies. By raising awareness, enforcing strict wildlife protection laws, restoring damaged ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices, we can work towards securing the future of these precious species. Protecting wildlife is not just about saving animals—it’s about preserving the rich biodiversity and ecological balance that supports life on our planet.
