The 10 Endangered Species in India: Rapid human population growth and urbanisation over the past five decades have led to massive deforestation and habitat loss, pushing wildlife to the brink of extinction. A 2020 analysis by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List highlighted the alarming acceleration of the sixth mass extinction, with over 500 species of land animals facing imminent extinction within the next two decades.
India, known for its rich biodiversity, is now standing at the forefront of this crisis owing to its dense population and various factors like rapid land development. habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. So, as we mark National Endangered Species Day on May 17, the spotlight is on the urgent need to protect endangered species and their habitats.
To combat the imminent threat of extinction facing numerous species, it is imperative to raise awareness, support conservation initiatives, and advocate for policies that prioritise the protection of vulnerable wildlife. The following are the top 10 endangered species in India that are facing the threat of extinction and urgently need protection.
The top 10 species in India that are at risk of extinction, as per the IUCN Red List and WWF:
1. Asian Elephant
The Asian elephant, the largest land mammal in Asia, holds significant cultural importance across the continent. Revered in India and beyond, these majestic creatures play a crucial role in preserving the ecosystems of forests and grasslands. Once thriving throughout India, including regions like Punjab and Gujarat, Asian elephants now face endangerment due to habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching for their tusks. Efforts to protect these iconic animals are essential to safeguarding their future and the biodiversity they support.
2. Ganges River Dolphin
The Ganges River dolphin, inhabiting one of the world’s most densely populated regions, is facing an unprecedented threat to its survival. The removal of river water and siltation, largely caused by deforestation, pollution, and entanglement in fisheries nets, has pushed the species to the edge. Moreover, alterations to the river due to barrages have fragmented populations, further exacerbating the issue. The dolphin’s habitat spans across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
A recent survey conducted by WWF-India and its partners revealed a staggering decline, with fewer than 2,000 individuals found in India alone.
3. One-horned Rhinoceros
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, is predominantly found in India and the foothills of the Himalayas. This species has long been a target for poachers due to their belief in the medicinal properties of its horn and the threat it poses as an agricultural pest. Additionally, the rhino population faces challenges from recurring flooding, pushing them to seek refuge in higher areas beyond protected zones, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts.
4. Snow Leopard
In India, the snow leopard population has declined to a mere 500, marking a critical decline that spans 12 countries, including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, and Mongolia. The Himalayan region, their natural habitat, is under increasing pressure, leading to encroachment into human settlements in search of sustenance and escalating instances of human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, the illegal trade in snow leopard pelts, bones, and other body parts further threatens their survival. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding these endangered felines and preserving the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems.
5. Bengal Tiger
With a population of 2,226 Bengal tigers, making up roughly half of the global tiger count, India stands as the primary habitat for these majestic creatures, hosting 70% of their population, with a small population in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. Despite the Bengal tiger’s adaptability to diverse environments like forests, mangroves, and wetlands and recent population growth, these species continue to remain endangered due to persistent threats like poaching for skins and body parts, trophy hunting, and habitat loss from urban expansion and human-wildlife conflicts.
6. Red Panda
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Red Panda as endangered due to a significant population decline estimated at 50% over the past three generations, with projections indicating a continued and potentially intensified decline in the next three generations. In India, this arboreal mammal is primarily found in regions such as Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, and parts of Meghalaya, with Sikkim designating it as the state animal.
7. Asiatic Lion
The Asiatic lion, a subspecies of the lion, once roamed across southwest Asia to eastern India. However, its population has dwindled significantly, with the entire species now confined to Gir National Park and its surrounding areas in Gujarat, India. At 10–20% smaller than their African counterparts, Asian lions have been listed as an endangered species by the IUCN since 2010 and currently stand at around 500–650 individuals.
Despite being protected within the Gir Forest, these majestic animals face numerous threats. Farmers in the area often use crude and illegal electrical fences to protect their crops, leading to the accidental entanglement and death of lions. Additionally, the nearly 20,000 open wells dug for irrigation purposes have resulted in many lions drowning accidentally. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures, are crucial to ensuring the survival of this magnificent creature for generations to come.
8. Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat, has only 2,500–3,000 goats left in the wild. Poaching and habitat loss have confined them to just 10% of their former range in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Climate change poses an even greater threat, as rising temperatures are expected to make their high-altitude grassland and cliff habitats unsuitable.
9. Indian Bison
The Indian bison, or gaur, is the largest wild cattle species in the world. Native to South and Southeast Asia, the gaur is severely threatened by poaching for meat, horns, and medicine, as well as habitat loss and food scarcity from grassland destruction. The species has lost over 70% of its population in many areas. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, the gaur is protected in India, but reintroduction of native plants and regulation of cattle grazing are needed.
10. Lion-tailed Macaque
The lion-tailed macaque, a recognisable monkey with a silver-white mane from the Western Ghats of South India, has a wild population of only around 4,000 individuals. Experts predict a 20% decline in the next 25 years due to hunting, roadkill, and habitat loss as the rainforests continue to shrink. These shy primates spend most of their time in the upper canopy, but changing behaviours due to access to human food are concerning.