lndia’s threatened,endangered and endemic species

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lndia’s threatened,endangered and endemic species

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. The country’s diverse physical features and climatic conditions have resulted in a variety of Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, desert, coastal and marine ecosystems which harbour and sustain high Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity and contribute to human well-being.  Four of 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots: The Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Nicobar Islands, can be found in India.

Threatened species

Threatened species are any species (including animals, plants, Fungi, etc.) which are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future. Species that are threatened are sometimes characterised by the Population dynamics measure of critical depensation, a mathematical measure of Biomass/”>Biomass related to population Growth rate. This quantitative metric is one method of evaluating the degree of endangerment.

Hornbill

India is home to nine species of hornbills and the northeastern region has the highest diversity of hornbill species in the country, with five hornbill species found there. Three of them are endemic to this region. They are the Wreathed hornbill, Brown hornbill, Rufous-necked hornbill. The other two species, the great Indian hornbill and the Oriental pied hornbill also occur in other parts of India. Except the Oriental pied hornbill, all the others are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Rufous-necked hornbill is listed as ‘rare’ in the IUCN Red Data Book (1990). Hunting and habitat clearance have threatened the bird. Being a key seed disperser, the survival of the hornbill is necessary for forest survival and restoration.

Pariah kite and White-backed vulture

Kites and vultures are the commonest birds of prey found near human habitations. They feed on garbage and dead animals and help mankind in keeping his surrounding clean and healthy. By feeding on highly decomposed carcasses they prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases. The excreta of vultures contain guanine, which is a good fertilizer. These are now under threat because of destruction of nesting trees and bio-magnification of pesticides. According to IUCN, Pariah kites and white-backed vulture are recognized as ‘rare’ species.  Numbers of vulture have fallen by 90 percent and their disappearance is causing great difficulties for both the Parsi community, who rely on them to dispose of their corpses and village Hindus, who depend on them to consume the carcasses of dead cattle.

The Lesser Florican

The Lesser Florican which is on the verge of extinction, arrives in the grasslands of Western Madya Pradesh and Saurashtra in Gujarat with the first showers of the monsoon. The whole breeding cycle is so closely interlinked with the availability of suitable grasslands and the onset of the monsoons that the entire survival system of the species has become fragile.

Hoolock Gibbon

The only ape of India Hoolock Gibbon is found in the rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and parts of Nagaland. Their loud whooping early in the morning is heard over a considerable distance and is one of the most evocative sounds of the jungle. But the gibbon, like many other apes throughout the world, is also facing a stiff challenge to its survival, due to pressure for land and timber.

Tiger

The tiger’s domain ranges over most of the Indian subcontinent. The tiger is at home in a variety of environmental situation from the high altitude, cold, coniferous Himalayan forests to the steaming MANGROVES of Sundarbans delta, swampy reedlands of the terai, the lush wet evergreen forests of northeast and the south and the scrub-thorn arid forests of Rajastan.

 

 

Asian or Indian Elephant

The distribution of wild elephants in India is limited to South, Central, North and North-East India. Elephants are indicators of ecological Health. Wherever elephants live, they provide a good habitat for the associated species such as sambar, spotted deer, the barking deer and so on, which in turn keep the predators like tiger or leopard happy. Elephants are mainly hunted for their tusks. This has made the species endangered.

Asiatic Lion

Even the lion has become a rare animal in India. Lions are restricted to Gir forest. The major hazard for the lion, as for the other species threatened with extinction in India, is habitat loss.

Endangered species

An endangered species is a species which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct. Endangered (EN), as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN’s schema after Critically Endangered (CR).  In 2012, the IUCN Red List featured 3079 animal and 2655 plant species as endangered (EN) worldwide. The figures for 1998 were, respectively, 1102 and 1197.

Indian Rhinoceros

The greater one-horned or Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found in Assam, India. This endangered animal is a very large mammal, and it is the target of hunters who sell its horns at a high value. It has become a vulnerable species.  The Indian rhinoceros has a single black horn that is present in both sexes of the species. Rhinoceros are very big; in fact, this species is the largest land mammal of Asia only behind the Asian elephant.

 

 

Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri tahr or ibex (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an ungulate stocky goat endemic to the Nilgiri Hills of South India. With coarse short fur and a bristly mane, this endangered Indian goat can be found in:

  • Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri and Anamalai Hills
  • Periyar National Park: Palni Hills

Nilgiri Langur

The Nilgiri langur (Trachypithecus johnii) is a monkey of the lutung type found in the Nigiri Hills, just like the Nilgiri tahr. The range of the Nilgiri langure includes:

  • Kodagu (Karnataka)
  • Palani Hills (Tamil Nadu)
  • Kerala

Kashmir Stag

The hangul or Kashmir stag (Cervus canadensis hanglu) is an endangered animal. This kind of elk is recognizable because it has a Light rump patch, without the tail. Antlers of the Kashmir stag constitute 5 tines.

Lion-tailed Macaque

The lion-tailed macaque or wanderoo (Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey that inhabits the same region as the Nilgiri tahr and langur, the Western Ghats. It has a silver-white mane from the cheeks to the chin.

Found in Kerala’s Silent Valley National Park, Papanasam in Kallakad, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s Siri Honnavara rainforests, the lion-tailed macaque is falling in numbers because of rising Urbanization and habitat destruction.

 

 

Gaur

The Gaur or Indian bison (Bos gaurus) is the largest extant bovine in the world. Found in Southern and Southeast Asia, the Indian bison is threatened by poaching for trade to supply global markets. It is currently a vulnerable species.  The gaur can be found in Arignar Anna Zoological park in Tamil Nadu and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, two of India’s southernmost coastal states.

Ganges River Dolphin

Scientifically called Platanista gangetica gangetica, the Ganges river dolphin is a subspecies of the endangered South Asian river dolphin. Therefore, it is a cetacean mammal.

Found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system and their tributaries in India, Ganges river dolphins are targeted by water development projects, industrialization, and pollution and resultant habitat loss. Here you can learn more about why is the South Asian river dolphin endangered.

Native to India, this freshwater dolphin is also found in Nepal and Bangladesh. Feeding on prey such as fish and shrimps which are dwindling in numbers, these species are blind by birth and cannot swim inside the water continuously, returning to the surface every 30 to 120 seconds.

Gharial

The gharial, gavial or fish-eating crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus) is one of the three crocodilian species found in India. It is recognizable for its long and very thin snout, which in the case of male gharials has a pot-shaped boss at the tip.  The river Ganges is the habitat of the Indian gharial. This crocodile is also found in the Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Chambal rivers. The mass pollution in its habitat has led to the death of this species, which now is critically endangered.

 

 

Indian Vulture

The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is one of the largest flying birds in the Indian subcontinent. Like most vultures, it has a bald head, scavenges for food, moves in flocks and nests on trees and cliffs.  Indian vultures are another critically endangered species found in Uttar Pradesh, apart from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Indian and the white-rumped vultures have suffered a devastating drop in population numbers because of accidental poisoning by a medical drug that was given to the cattle they scavenged on.

Indian Wild Ass

The Indian or Baluchi wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) can be found in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Ladakh in Sikkim. Their coat is sandy looking and varies from red to chestnut.  This species of ass is found living on grass, leaves, plants and fruits. It is currently a near threatened animal, as there are less than 5,000 individuals of Indian wild ass. Here you can find out what is the difference between a donkey, an ass and a mule.

Phayre’s Leaf Monkey

The Phayre’s leaf monkey or Phayre’s langur (Trachypithecus phayrei) is a dominant monkey with a look as if it is wearing a monocle. This beloved species is one of the endangered animals of India, although is also lives in countries like Bangladesh, China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Four-horned antelope

The four-horned antelope or chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis) has four permanent crown-like horns above the head. It is currently a vulnerable species.  The beautiful four-horned antelope is the smallest bovid in Asia, with a slender frame and thin legs. With the brown coat and white underparts, this animal is found in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Plants and grass make up the chousingha’s main food, and it is a solitary animal.

Endemic species of india

Endemic species are plants and animals that exist only in one geographic region. Species can be endemic to large or small areas of the earth: some are endemic to a particular continent, some to part of a continent, and others to a single island. Usually an area that contains endemic species is isolated in some way, so that species have difficulty spreading to other areas, or it has unusual environmental characteristics to which endemic species are uniquely adapted. Endemism, or the occurrence of endemic animals and plants, is more common in some regions than in others.

Some of the endemic animal species of india are as follows:

Black-and-rufous Flycatcher,  Broad-tailed Grassbird,  Forest Owlet, Green Avadavat  Grey Junglefowl,  Grey-breasted Laughingthrush,  Grey-headed Bulbul,  Intermediate Parakeet,  Jerdon’s Courser Malabar, Grey-Hornbill,  Malabar Lark,  Malabar Parakeet,  Malabar Whistling-Thrush, Rufous Babbler,  Rufous-breasted  Laughingthrush,  Rufous-tailed Lark,  Rusty-throated Wren-Babbler,  Snowy-throated Babbler,  Spot-breasted Fantail,  Tawny Lark,  Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler , White-bellied Blue-Flycatcher,  White-bellied Shortwing , White-bellied Treepie , White-cheeked Barbet , White-naped Tit  Wynaad Laughingthrush , Yellow-throated Bulbul.

Some of the endemic plant species of india are as follows:

  1. Elaeocarpus blascoi (Elaeocarpaceae)
  2. Eugenia Indica (Myrtaceae)
  3. Ficus andamanica (Moraceae)
  4. Ficus angladei (Moraceae)
  5. Garcinia imberti (Clusiaceae)
  6. Hopea glabra (Dipterocarpaceae)
  7. Ilex venulosa (Aquifoliaceae)
  8. Ilex khasiana (Aquifoliaceae)
  9. Ixora malabarica (Rubiaceae)
  • Mangifera andamanica (Anacardiaceae)
  • Michelia punduana (Magnoliaceae)
  • Miliusa nilagirica (Annonaceae)
  • Pittosporum eriocarpum (Pittosporaceae)
  • Polyalthia rufescens (Annonaceae)
  • Psychotria beddomei (Rubiaceae)
  • Psychotria macrocarpa (Rubiaceae)
  • Vateria indica (Dipterocarpaceae)
  • Wendlandia andamanica (Rubiaceae)

 

 

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India is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species that are threatened or endangered. Some of the most well-known threatened species in India include the Bengal tiger, the Indian rhinoceros, and the Asiatic elephant. These animals are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to wildlife in India. As the human population grows, more and more land is being converted for agriculture, development, and other human uses. This leaves less and less space for wildlife to live and breed.

Poaching is another major threat to wildlife in India. Tigers, rhinos, and elephants are all hunted for their body parts, which are used in traditional medicine and other products. Poaching is a major problem in India, and it is estimated that thousands of animals are killed each year.

Human-wildlife conflict is also a major threat to wildlife in India. As humans encroach on wildlife habitat, there is an increased risk of conflict between humans and animals. This can lead to animals being killed, injured, or displaced.

There are a number of things that can be done to help protect threatened and endangered species in India. One of the most important things is to conserve their habitat. This can be done by creating Protected Areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It is also important to reduce poaching and human-wildlife conflict. This can be done by educating people about the importance of wildlife conservation and by providing alternative livelihoods to people who live near wildlife areas.

India is home to a wealth of biodiversity, and it is important to protect this biodiversity for future generations. By taking steps to conserve threatened and endangered species, India can ensure that its wildlife remains a source of pride for the country.

Here are some additional details about some of the threatened and endangered species in India:

  • The Bengal tiger is the most endangered tiger subspecies in the world. There are only about 2,500 Bengal tigers left in the wild. The main threats to Bengal tigers are habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
  • The Indian rhinoceros is the second-largest rhinoceros species in the world. There are only about 3,500 Indian rhinos left in the wild. The main threats to Indian rhinos are habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
  • The Asiatic elephant is the largest land mammal in Asia. There are only about 40,000 Asiatic elephants left in the wild. The main threats to Asiatic elephants are habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

These are just a few of the many threatened and endangered species in India. It is important to protect these species for future generations.

Here are some frequently asked questions about threatened, endangered, and endemic species:

  • What is a threatened species?
    A threatened species is a species that is at risk of extinction. This can be due to a number of factors, such as habitat loss, hunting, or Climate change.

  • What is an endangered species?
    An endangered species is a species that is at very high risk of extinction. This means that there are very few individuals left of the species, and the population is declining rapidly.

  • What is an endemic species?
    An endemic species is a species that is found only in a particular area. This can be a country, a region, or even a single mountain range. Endemic species are often threatened or endangered, because they are not found anywhere else in the world.

  • Why are threatened, endangered, and endemic species important?
    Threatened, endangered, and endemic species are important because they are part of the natural world. They play a role in the ecosystem, and they are often a source of food, medicine, or other Resources for humans. Additionally, threatened, endangered, and endemic species can be a source of inspiration and beauty.

  • What can we do to help threatened, endangered, and endemic species?
    There are a number of things we can do to help threatened, endangered, and endemic species. We can conserve their habitat, reduce pollution, and stop hunting and poaching. We can also support organizations that are working to protect these species.

  • What are some examples of threatened, endangered, and endemic species?
    Some examples of threatened, endangered, and endemic species include the Bengal tiger, the giant panda, and the snow leopard. These species are all at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and Climate Change.

  • What is the future of threatened, endangered, and endemic species?
    The future of threatened, endangered, and endemic species is uncertain. If we do not take action to protect them, they may become extinct. However, if we work together to conserve their habitat and reduce the threats they face, we can give them a chance to survive.

Here are some multiple choice questions about India’s threatened, endangered, and endemic species:

  1. Which of the following is not a threatened species in India?
    (A) The Bengal tiger
    (B) The Indian rhinoceros
    (C) The Asiatic elephant
    (D) The Indian leopard

  2. Which of the following is not an endangered species in India?
    (A) The snow leopard
    (B) The red panda
    (C) The Himalayan tahr
    (D) The Indian pangolin

  3. Which of the following is not an endemic species in India?
    (A) The Nilgiri tahr
    (B) The Andaman wild pig
    (C) The Nicobar flying fox
    (D) The Kashmir stag

  4. Which of the following is the most threatened species in India?
    (A) The Bengal tiger
    (B) The Indian rhinoceros
    (C) The Asiatic elephant
    (D) The Indian leopard

  5. Which of the following is the most endangered species in India?
    (A) The snow leopard
    (B) The red panda
    (C) The Himalayan tahr
    (D) The Indian pangolin

  6. Which of the following is the most endemic species in India?
    (A) The Nilgiri tahr
    (B) The Andaman wild pig
    (C) The Nicobar flying fox
    (D) The Kashmir stag

  7. What is the main threat to India’s threatened, endangered, and endemic species?
    (A) Habitat loss
    (B) Poaching
    (C) Overexploitation
    (D) All of the above

  8. What can be done to help protect India’s threatened, endangered, and endemic species?
    (A) Create protected areas
    (B) Crack down on poaching
    (C) Reduce demand for illegal wildlife products
    (D) All of the above

  9. What is the difference between a threatened species and an endangered species?
    (A) A threatened species is one that is likely to become endangered in the near future, while an endangered species is one that is at risk of extinction.
    (B) A threatened species is one that is already endangered, while an endangered species is one that is not yet endangered.
    (C) There is no difference between a threatened species and an endangered species.

  10. What is the difference between an endemic species and a non-endemic species?
    (A) An endemic species is one that is found only in one particular area, while a non-endemic species is one that is found in multiple areas.
    (B) An endemic species is one that is not found in any other area, while a non-endemic species is one that is found in other areas.
    (C) There is no difference between an endemic species and a non-endemic species.