endangered species in india essay

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10 of the Most Endangered Species in India in 2024

In the past 50 years, the planet has experienced rapid growth of human population , development, and urbanisation, deforesting hundreds of million acres of forests across the globe along the way. As a result, wildlife is losing more habitats and food by the day. According to a 2020 analysis, the sixth mass extinction of wildlife on Earth is accelerating with more than 500 species of land animals on the brink of extinction that will likely be lost within the next two decades. As India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world,  it comes as no surprise that human activity and land development are increasing rapidly. These are just 10 endangered species in India that are under threat and urgently need protecting. 

10 Endangered Species in India  

1. bengal tiger.

Bengal tigers account for about half of the world’s total tiger population, 70% of which can be found living in India. Though this big cat is an adaptable animal that can live in various habitats including forests, mangroves and wetlands, and has the ability to cope with hot or cold temperatures, Bengal tiger populations have plummeted over the years. The animal has been endangered following decades of persistent poaching for its skin and body parts, trophy hunting, and severely reduced habitat from urban development. The species now live in just 7% of their historical habitat range , with fewer than 2,000 individuals left in the wild. In a densely populated country like India, human-wildlife conflict is also a contributing factor to its dwindling numbers. 

2. Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion is about 10-20% smaller than its African cousins with a larger tail tuft and a distinct belly fold. As the name suggests, the Asiatic Lion was historically native across south-west Asia to eastern India . But now, the species’ entire population can only be found in India and restricted to the Gir National Park and environs in Gujarat. Listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2010, the Asiatic lion only has about 500-650 individuals left in the country. While the animal is mostly confined to the Gir Forest, many farmers still use crude and illegal electrical fences to protect their crops where lions often get caught up in it. Likewise, nearly 20,000 open wells dug by farmers in the area for irrigation have led to many accidental drownings of lions.

3. Snow Leopard

Much like the Asiatic Lion, snow leopards used to have much larger habitats and prowled across the mountain ranges of Asia. Now, they can only be found in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the western and eastern parts of the Himalayas, with population numbers down to about 500 in India. Unsurprisingly, this drop is the result of human interference, namely animal poaching for its pelt and body parts, and a rapid decline of prey due to increasing domestic livestock , which depletes the high altitude pasture lands. Conflicts between remote communities and snow leopards have also been a threat to the species, as well as hydroelectric and mining projects, which reduces the leopard’s natural habitat. As female snow leopards tend to produce only one to two cubs once every two years, it also makes it harder for the species to recover its numbers. 

4. One-horned Rhinoceros

Also known as the Indian rhinoceros, this animal is mostly found in India and the foothills of Himalayas. One-horned rhinoceros has been heavily targeted for their horns for decades, which allegedly have medicinal properties, and killed as agricultural pests. The population is also impacted by frequent flooding seasons , forcing rhinos to move to higher ground and outside of national parks, increasing risks of human-wildlife conflicts. These factors have consequently driven the population to near extinction at the start of the 20th century, dropping down to as little as 200 animals. But with the help of strict and targeted conservation measures, current population numbers have risen back up to around 3,700 in northeastern India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal, making it “one of the most successful conservation efforts in history”.

5. Blackbuck

Due to severe poaching – hunted especially in the princely states of India for their pelts – and habitat loss, the blackbuck, or Indian antelope, is now one of the most endangered species in India. In 1947, there were around 80,000 blackbucks. But that number had fallen to 8,000 in less than 20 years. Despite conservation efforts that help population numbers go back up to around 25,000, factors such as preying stray dogs – which India has one of the highest rates of – pesticides and moving vehicles all continuing threats to the species. You can find blackbucks in small herds in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas across India, and have been introduced in Argentina and the United States to help increase their numbers. 

You might also like: 10 of the Most Endangered Species in the US

6. Lion-tailed Macaque

Endemic to the small and severely fragmented rainforests of Western Ghats of South India, the lion-tailed macaque is a recognisable monkey identifiable by its silver-white mane that surrounds its head. Estimates place the total wild population of the macaque around 4,000 individuals, and is projected to decline more than 20% in the next 25 years should threats like hunting, roadkills and habitat loss persist. These rare primates are mostly shy and tend to remain in the upper canopies of rainforest, which continues to dwindle due to deforestation and land clearing. The species’ easy access to human food is also changing their behaviours, driving the animal to spend less time foraging for food. 

7. Resplendent Tree Frog 

This mysterious frog species was only discovered in 2010 at the highest peak of the Western Ghats, and has a striking orange hue and several big glands covering its body surface. The resplendent tree frog is so rare that they can only be found in the Anamudi summit in Kerala within the Eravikulam National Park. Scientists estimate that there are only about 300 remaining animals and recommend top-priority conservation for this species. 

8. Kashmiri Red Stag

The Kashmiri red stag has been listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN for decades and is among the top 15 species of high conservation priority by the Indian Government. As a result, the species is now largely restricted within a 141 sq km area in Dachigam National Park. In the early 1990s, the number of red stags was estimated to be around 5,000 but dramatically decreased to about 150 in 1970, and around 110-130 in 2015. Habitat fragmentation , land encroachment for grazing, and very low fawn-female ratio are attributed to be the main causes behind red stag’s population decline. Many ongoing conservation drives are attempting to tackle these issues to help protect this critically endangered species in India. 

9. Nilgiri Tahr

This endangered mountain goat species only has about 2,500-3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Much like the other animals are on the list, wildlife poaching and habitat loss has led the nilgiri tahr to be contained within the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering less than 10% of their former range. But for these mountain goats, climate change is expected to be an even bigger threat. The animal lives in high-altitude mountainous grasslands and rocky cliffs of the Western Ghats, and is projected to become unsuitable habitats for the goats as global surface temperatures rise.

10. Indian Bison (Gaur)

The largest and tallest in the family of wild cattle, the Indian bison is an animal native to South Asia and South-East Asia but one that is severely threatened by wildlife poaching (for its meat, horns and medicinal products), shrinking habitats and food scarcity from the destruction of grasslands. Famously the inspiration behind the branding of the popular energy drink, Red Bull, the bison has unfortunately lost more than 70% of its population in many parts of their range. The gaur is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is protected by India’s 1972 Wild Life Protection Act, which calls for the reintroduction of native plants and regulation of indiscriminate cattle grazing around areas where the gaurs roam.

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24 Endangered Species of India

Prof. Daizy Batish

1.      Learning outcomes

• Endangered plant species of India Endangered Animal species of India
• Reasons for species becoming endangered Factors affecting endangered species
• International and National efforts to protect endangered species National Conservation Plan

Introduction

In previous modules we have learnt about endemism. In this module we will study about Endangered Species of India.

Endangered species

A plant, animal or microorganism that is in immediate risk of biological extinction is called “endangered species” or “threatened species”. In other words, these are those species whose life is under risk or threat and which are about to be extinct. These species which was native to a region and their population strength has reduced from 50 per cent to 5 per cent, such species are known as endangered species. Many factors are responsible for this which may be natural or man-made.

Endangered plant species of India

The flora of India is one of the richest in the world due to the country’s wide range of climate, topology, and environment. There are over 15,000 species of flowering plants in India which account for 6% of all plant species in the world. Many plant species are being destroyed, however, due to their prevalent removal. Roughly 1/4 of all plant species in the world are at  risk of being endangered or going extinct. The combination of global warming and habitat destruction is the sole reason for the disappearance of many plants. Though there are thousands of interesting and unusual plants, here are some common plants which have become rare and endangered species in the past 30 years due to habitat destruction. The combination of global warming and habitat destruction is the sole reason for the disappearance of many plants from earth’s face. Though there are thousands of interesting, and unusual plants are there here are some common plants which we have seen thirty years back have become rare and endangered species. The examples of some endangered plant species were represented in the Table 1.

Endangered Animal species of India

India, a megadiverse country with only 2.4% of the world’s land area, accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals. Being one of the 17 identified megadiverse countries; India has 10 biogeographic zones and is home to 8.58% of the mammalian species documented so far, with the corresponding figures for avian species being 13.66%, for reptiles 7.91%, for amphibians 4.66%, for fishes 11.72% and for plants 11.80%. Four of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots, namely the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Sundaland, are represented in India. India, with only about 2.4% of world’s total land surface, it is known to have over 6.7% of the animal species that the world holds. This percentage represents nearly 96,373 known species, including 63,423 insect species. In India, 450 plant species have been identified as endangered species. 100 mammals and 150 birds are estimated to be endangered.

Figure 1. Representing the total numbers of endemic and threatened endemic species of India. Source: IUCN (2013)

Reasons for species becoming endangered

In India, 450 plant species have been identified as endangered species. 100 mammals and 150 birds are estimated to be endangered. India’s biodiversity is threatened primarily due to:

i) Habitat destruction

ii) Degradation and

iii) Over exploitation of resources

Factors affecting endangered species

Human beings dispose wastes indiscriminately in nature thereby polluting the air, land and water. These pollutants enter the food chain and accumulate in living creatures resulting in death.

Over-exploitation of natural resources and poaching of wild animals also leads to their extinction.

Climate change brought about by accumulation of green houses gases in the atmosphere. Climate change threatens organisms and ecosystems and they cannot adjust to the changing environmental conditions leading to their death and extinction.

Endangered animals of India

The world is filled with endangered species of animals, many of which can be found in India. While some of these species are critically endangered, some are near threatened and some are even extinct. There are some species that are left in such few numbers that your next generation may not be able to ever see them, if nothing is done for their conservation. While we hope that more efforts are taken to conserve these species, here’s a list of some endangered animals that you can find in different parts of India.

International and National efforts to protect endangered species

International efforts

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): An international treaty to help protect endangered wildlife. This treaty is now signed by 160 countries .CITES lists 900 species that cannot be commercially traded as live specimens or wildlife products as they are in range of extinction. CITES restricts trade of 2900 other species as they are endangered.

National efforts

Various organizations deal with the protection of endangered species of India these are:

a)  Wildlife protection society of India (WPSI): It is a registered non-profit organization funded by a wide range of Indian and international donors. The society’s  board  members include leading conversationalists and business people. It was founded in 1994 by Belinda Wright, its executive director, who was an award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker till she took up the cause of conservation. WPSI main aim has been to bring a new focus to the daunting task of tackling India’s growing wildlife crisis. It does this by providing support and information to government authorities to combat poaching and the escalating illegal wildlife trade particularly in wild tigers.

b)  Wildlife trust of India (WTI): Non-profit organization set up to prevent destruction of India’s wildlife, especially endangered species (tigers, elephants, rhinos) & threatened habitats; aids research & projects, educates public, acquires land for wildlife conservation.

c)  Wildlife Conservation Society: Indian programme of the global wildlife society that focuses on endangered mega fauna in protected reserves; focuses on studying tigers, leopards, & their ungulate & primate prey species.

d)  Wildlife Institute of India (WII): It was established in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India in 1982 with an aim to provide training and courses, and promote wildlife research and management. WII is actively involved in research of biodiversity and major wildlife issues in India.

e) Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT): It works to protect the vulnerable animals and biodiversity of India through spreading awareness across forest departments and NGOs. WCT even trains individuals for wildlife conservation.

f) Conservation India (CI): It is a non-profit, non-commercial portal which is working in order to promote strategies for wildlife conservation. CI believes in working on ground rather than simply speaking about wildlife conservation.

g)  People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): PETA, India has been functional in Mumbai since 2000. It works to survey the segments of society where animals are poorly treated, like in food or leather industries, entertainment industry. etc. PETA, India is known for spreading public awareness, triggering animal rescue missions and  legislative work, but most importantly for improving and saving the lives of innocent animals.

h) Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF): works in varied animal habitats, including that of coral reefs, tropical rainforests and as far as the Himalayas. NCF works to know the fundamental needs of elephants, snow leopards and even spiders and corals. NCF even conducts research in order to address the impact of commercial usage and its effects on ecology.

i) Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) : It was established in 1984 in Bengaluru with an aim to promote conservation of the tiger and other large mammals, along with equal emphasis for ecology through collaboration with State and Central Governments. Today, CWS is an internationally known institute for excellence in the field of wildlife research and conservation.

j) The Corbett Foundation: The Corbett Foundation involves actions taken by passionate men and women who wish to protect wildlife and bring forth harmony. This Foundation raises funds, conserves various ecosystems, draws the government’s attention towards major wildlife issues and promotes wildlife research projects. This foundation works for protection of other regions such as Bandhavgarh, Kutch and Kanha as well.

k) Bombay Natural History Society: Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), established in 1883, is associated with wildlife research and conservation in India for over 130 years. BNHS mainly focuses on research, education and public awareness about wildlife and nature.

National Conservation Plan

For the conservation of various endangered species several projects has been initiated. The list of various is given below:

a) Vulture Conservation: Because of a serious decline in the population of the main species of vulture, a series of meetings and seminars are being held in India in order to  address the need for vulture conservation. The National Workshop held in New Delhi in 2004, for the same cause was attended by Chief Wildlife Wardens, BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society), SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore), GEER (Gujarat Ecological and Education Research Foundation, Gandhinagar), Department of Animal Husbandry.

b)  GOI – UNDP Sea Turtle Project: Executed by Ministry of Environment along with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, The Government of India- UNDP Sea Turtle Project works to protect sea turtles. Launched in 1999, this project carries out rigorous surveys along the coastal areas, checks the community and legal conservation, creates awareness, gathers information about main nesting areas and also provides training to fisheries managers, researchers and biologists.

c)  Crocodile Conservation Project: It was launched in 1976; the main objective of this project is to protect the three most endangered species of crocodile: the fresh water crocodile, gharials and salt water crocodiles. The Crocodile Conservation Project undertakes captive breeding of various species of crocodiles, looks after the hatching and rearing of gharials in order to decrease the mortality rate of crocodiles. Under Gharial Rehabilitation Project, about 200 gharials were sheltered and consequently released in the Ramganga River in Corbett National Park.

d)  Project Elephant: It was initiated by the Government of India in 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme, the main objective of Project Elephant is to conserve elephants, their habitat, work for issues such as human-elephant conflict and look after the welfare of domestic elephants.  

e)  Project Tiger: Project Tiger is a scheme centrally sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This scheme covers around 47 tiger reserves located across more than 17 regions populated with tigers. Project Tiger mainly focuses on conducting assessments of number of tigers, their habitat, hunting habits, etc. All these activities are sanctioned by the Tiger Task Force.

f) Indian Rhino Vision 2020: India Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 is an effort of pact made by the Bodoland Territorial Council, WWF (World Wildlife Fund), IRF (International Rhino Fund) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The main objective of IRV is to conserve at least 3000 greater one-horned rhinos in Assam, India by 2020.

Laws and Acts

In India, various laws were made to protect plants and animal species these were followings:

• i) Indian Forest act, 1927
• ii) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• iii) Forest (conservation) Act, 1981
• iv) Environment protection Act, 1986
• v) The biological diversity Act, 2002

A detailed account of these Acts is given in paper 13 (Environmental Laws and Policies)

• https://owlcation.com/stem/Rare-and-Endangered-plants-of-India.
• https://www.slideshare.net/Zareen15/endangered-and-threatened-plants-and-animals. Conservation International: www.conservation.org; www.cepf.net.
• IUCN (2013) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Species Survival Commission, Gland, Switzerland (http://www.iucnredlist.org/about/summary-statistics).