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World Endangered Species Day: Seeing The Wild Side Of India

From the elusive Western Red Panda to the magnificent Gaur, the Snow Leopards that reside in the Himalayan high mountains to the humble Tahr of the Nilgiris, India is home to a fascinating set of animals that are now considered endangered

A Snow Leopard caught in action Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Meenketan Jha

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World Endangered Species Day | Many, many exotic, one-of-a-kind species of animals roam the corners of our planet. If you have seen Netflix's documentary "Our Planet," narrated by David Attenborough, then you must be aware of how blessed our planet is with the wide range of life that inhabits it. These charismatic wildlife species are dispersed across a wide of natural habitats. 

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Whether it be the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain range, the sultry Sahara Desert, or even the lush green labyrinth that is the Amazon Rainforest, each area houses an uncompromising and unique range of wildlife. Sadly, though, many of these eye-catching species are endangered, many on the verge of extinction. 

India, for one, is an unparalleled abode for unique animals. Nearly 500 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across its wide geography provide shelter to many such magnificent creatures. The Indian Cheetah, Aurochs, and Pink Headed-Ducks are some species that have become extinct in our country. Excessive hunting, poaching, deforestation and climate change over the years have disrupted the balance shared by nature and animals, leading to the current state of the situation. 

Endangered Animals In India

Royal Bengal Tiger

Historically, Royal Bengal Tigers roamed across large portions of Asia, but today, their range has been significantly reduced. Deforestation, illegal logging, and human encroachment continue to fragment their habitats, limiting their movement and access to prey. Simultaneously, poaching for tiger pelts, bones, and other body parts remains a major illegal industry that feeds into black markets around the world.
Historically, Royal Bengal Tigers roamed across large portions of Asia, but today, their range has been significantly reduced. Deforestation, illegal logging, and human encroachment continue to fragment their habitats, limiting their movement and access to prey. Simultaneously, poaching for tiger pelts, bones, and other body parts remains a major illegal industry that feeds into black markets around the world.

Yet, despite these challenges, hope is not lost. Conservation efforts across the subcontinent have seen a gradual increase in tiger populations in certain areas, especially in protected reserves such as the Sundarbans and the Corbett National Park.

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Nilgiri Tahr

Endemic to the high-altitude grasslands and rocky terrains of the Nilgiri Hills in Southern India, the Nilgiri Tahr is a member of the goat family, adapted to life on the steep and inaccessible slopes. Its diet consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and herbs that grow in the cool, alpine meadows. Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was more widespread across the Western Ghats, but today, it is restricted to small pockets of protected areas, including the Eravikulam National Park and the Silent Valley National Park.
Endemic to the high-altitude grasslands and rocky terrains of the Nilgiri Hills in Southern India, the Nilgiri Tahr is a member of the goat family, adapted to life on the steep and inaccessible slopes. Its diet consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and herbs that grow in the cool, alpine meadows. Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was more widespread across the Western Ghats, but today, it is restricted to small pockets of protected areas, including the Eravikulam National Park and the Silent Valley National Park.

The primary threat to the Nilgiri Tahr is habitat loss. Expanding human settlements, agricultural activities, and the encroachment of non-native species have reduced the Tahr's habitat, leaving only isolated patches of suitable terrain. Additionally, poaching, though less frequent than in the past, still poses a danger, as the Tahr's thick fur has sometimes made it a target for hunters.

Tiger Toad

Endemic to the foothills and lowland forests of the Eastern Himalayas and parts of India’s Northeast, the Tiger Toad is often found in humid environments, typically near water bodies such as streams, ponds, and marshes. It is a nocturnal creature, emerging at night to feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Its vibrant colour is not just for show; it serves as a warning to potential predators, indicating the toad’s toxicity—a natural defense mechanism that protects it from most threats.
Endemic to the foothills and lowland forests of the Eastern Himalayas and parts of India’s Northeast, the Tiger Toad is often found in humid environments, typically near water bodies such as streams, ponds, and marshes. It is a nocturnal creature, emerging at night to feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Its vibrant colour is not just for show; it serves as a warning to potential predators, indicating the toad’s toxicity—a natural defense mechanism that protects it from most threats.

One of the most alarming threats to the Tiger Toad’s survival is the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, which can contaminate water sources and harm amphibian populations. These chemicals not only poison the toads but disrupt the food chain, diminishing the prey that sustains them. Additionally, the loss of wetland habitats has made breeding sites increasingly scarce, putting further strain on the population.

Western Red Panda 

The Western Red Panda is an iconic species, yet it is at risk, with populations dwindling due to a range of threats that put its future in jeopardy. Native to the temperate forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, the Western Red Panda is an expert climber, spending much of its time in the high-altitude bamboo forests that provide it with both food and shelter. Primarily herbivorous, its diet consists mostly of bamboo, but it will also eat fruits, acorns, and small insects. Known for its elusive behavior and unique lifestyle, the Western Red Panda is often described as a "living fossil," a species that has existed largely unchanged for millions of years.
The Western Red Panda is an iconic species, yet it is at risk, with populations dwindling due to a range of threats that put its future in jeopardy. Native to the temperate forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, the Western Red Panda is an expert climber, spending much of its time in the high-altitude bamboo forests that provide it with both food and shelter. Primarily herbivorous, its diet consists mostly of bamboo, but it will also eat fruits, acorns, and small insects. Known for its elusive behavior and unique lifestyle, the Western Red Panda is often described as a "living fossil," a species that has existed largely unchanged for millions of years.

The Western Red Panda is an iconic species, yet it is at risk, with populations dwindling due to a range of threats that put its future in jeopardy.

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Native to the temperate forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, the Western Red Panda is an expert climber, spending much of its time in the high-altitude bamboo forests that provide it with both food and shelter. Primarily herbivorous, its diet consists mostly of bamboo, but it will also eat fruits, acorns, and small insects. Known for its elusive behaviour and unique lifestyle, the Western Red Panda is often described as a "living fossil," a species that has existed largely unchanged for millions of years.

Long Tailed Macaque 

In the lush forests and coastal regions of Southeast Asia, the Long-Tailed Macaque is a common sight—its expressive face and playful antics making it one of the most recognisable monkeys of the region. With its long, slender tail, agile movements, and social nature, this macaque species has long been admired for its intelligence and adaptability. Yet, despite its wide distribution, the Long-Tailed Macaque faces numerous challenges that have placed it on the endangered species list, requiring urgent conservation attention.
In the lush forests and coastal regions of Southeast Asia, the Long-Tailed Macaque is a common sight—its expressive face and playful antics making it one of the most recognisable monkeys of the region. With its long, slender tail, agile movements, and social nature, this macaque species has long been admired for its intelligence and adaptability. Yet, despite its wide distribution, the Long-Tailed Macaque faces numerous challenges that have placed it on the endangered species list, requiring urgent conservation attention.

Despite their adaptability, Long-Tailed Macaques face serious threats. Habitat destruction is a primary concern, as extensive logging, deforestation for agriculture, and urban expansion continue to encroach upon their natural environment. The destruction of tropical rainforests, which are vital for the macaque's survival, not only reduces the amount of food and shelter available but also fragments populations, limiting their ability to roam and find mates.

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Asiatic Lion

Once found throughout the Middle East and across the Indian subcontinent, today, this regal species is confined to a single protected area, the Gir Forest National Park. With a smaller frame than its African counterpart and a distinctive fold of skin along its belly, the Asiatic lion is a symbol of resilience, but it also faces grave challenges that threaten its survival.
Once found throughout the Middle East and across the Indian subcontinent, today, this regal species is confined to a single protected area, the Gir Forest National Park. With a smaller frame than its African counterpart and a distinctive fold of skin along its belly, the Asiatic lion is a symbol of resilience, but it also faces grave challenges that threaten its survival.

Historically, the Asiatic lion roamed across a vast range, from Greece and Turkey to the Indian subcontinent. However, due to hunting, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict, their numbers dwindled, and by the early 20th century, they were on the brink of extinction. At one point, fewer than 20 lions remained in the wild, confined to the isolated Gir Forest in Gujarat. This near-extinction was a result of centuries of overhunting and deforestation, driven by human expansion.

Gaur

Native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia, the Gaur inhabits forested hills, grasslands, and temperate forests, typically in herds that roam freely across protected areas like India's Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills. The species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and young trees. The Gaur's large size and strength make it a dominant herbivore in its ecosystem, influencing vegetation patterns and maintaining the balance of the forest’s biodiversity.
Native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia, the Gaur inhabits forested hills, grasslands, and temperate forests, typically in herds that roam freely across protected areas like India's Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills. The species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and young trees. The Gaur's large size and strength make it a dominant herbivore in its ecosystem, influencing vegetation patterns and maintaining the balance of the forest’s biodiversity.

However, the Gaur faces multiple threats. Habitat destruction is the primary challenge, as forests are cleared for agriculture, logging, and human settlements. The fragmentation of their natural habitat leaves the Gaur isolated in smaller pockets, reducing their access to food and breeding opportunities. Additionally, poaching for their meat and hide, along with conflicts with local farmers and villagers, further exacerbate the population decline.

Disease transmission from domestic cattle is another growing threat, as Gaur populations come into contact with livestock in areas where human settlements have expanded. This has led to instances of disease outbreaks among Gaur herds, further weakening their numbers.

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Snow Leopard

The Snow Leopard inhabits some of the most remote and inhospitable regions in the world, living at altitudes between 3,000 to 5,500 meters. These solitary cats are perfectly adapted to their harsh, cold environment, with thick fur, large paws that act like snowshoes, and keen hunting skills that allow them to thrive on a diet of Himalayan blue sheep, ibex, and smaller mammals. Their elusive nature and ability to blend seamlessly into the rocky, snowy terrain have earned them the title of "ghost of the mountains."
The Snow Leopard inhabits some of the most remote and inhospitable regions in the world, living at altitudes between 3,000 to 5,500 meters. These solitary cats are perfectly adapted to their harsh, cold environment, with thick fur, large paws that act like snowshoes, and keen hunting skills that allow them to thrive on a diet of Himalayan blue sheep, ibex, and smaller mammals. Their elusive nature and ability to blend seamlessly into the rocky, snowy terrain have earned them the title of "ghost of the mountains."

However, despite their adaptations and formidable hunting abilities, Snow Leopards are facing significant challenges. The primary threat to their survival is habitat loss due to human encroachment, mining, and the construction of infrastructure in their remote mountain homes. As human populations expand and roads and settlements creep into these high-altitude regions, Snow Leopard territories are becoming increasingly fragmented, leading to fewer opportunities for breeding and reducing the overall genetic diversity of the species.

This story was first published on May 7, 2019; and it has since been updated.

The golden tiger of Kaziranga National Park in Assam - sudhirshivaram/Instagram
Rare Golden Tiger Spotted In Kaziranga National Park

BY OT Staff

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