There are plentiful species in India that are threatened or near threatened. The threat level is based upon population statistics, habitat destruction, poaching or hunting by tribal, disease prevalence, and changing land use patterns - expansion of villages around the ecosystem. Weather and climate play a role as well but most of the species are highly adaptable to withstand such changes unless drastic.
Some species may be less in nature or survive only in niche ecosystems by nature's design. Nevertheless, they are always threatened due to the limited population or few remaining niches. One example is Hard Ground Barasingha which survives in the grasslands of Kanha National Park. Birds like Siberian Crane have not become extinct but the stock that used to migrate to India in winter has.
Some species may be less in nature or survive only in niche ecosystems by nature's design. Nevertheless, they are always threatened due to the limited population or few remaining niches. One example is Hard Ground Barasingha which survives in the grasslands of Kanha National Park. Birds like Siberian Crane have not become extinct but the stock that used to migrate to India in winter has.
Species facing extinction or near extinction are:
- Tiger
- Wild Dog
- Indian Wolf
- Asiatic Lion
- Leopard
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Fishing Cat
- Desert Cat
- One Horned Indian Rhino
- Indian Wild Elephant
- Capped Leaf Monkey
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Swamp Deer
- Hispid Hare
- Indus River Dolphin
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Red Panda
- Snow Leopard
- Banteng
- Brown Bear
- Clouded Leopard
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Himalayan Musk Dear
- Asiatic Golden Cat
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Nilgiri Langur
- Lion Tailed Macaque
- Golden Langur
- Wild Goat
- Wild Yak
- Jenkin's Shrew
- Mouse Deer
- Malabar Large Spotted Civet
- India Gazelle
- Namdapha Flying Squirrel
- Sarus Crane
- Black Necked Crane
- Pygmy Hog
- Black Necked Stork
- Salim Ali's Fruit Bat
- Green Avadavat
- White Rumped Vulture
- Sumatran Rhinoceros
- Long Billed Vulture
- Wroughton's Free-Tailed Bat
Fragmented habitats are imposing a serious threat of inbreeding among many species especially the tigers in India. Due rampant destruction of trees and grasslands for fuel wood and fodder is another cause of habitat loss. In the case of insects and birds apart from habitat loss, chemicals used by humans are reducing their breeding capacity.
In the case of many species especially birds the status is unknown due to difficulty in gauging the numbers and migratory behavior. Research is crucial to uncover hidden facts behind decreasing number of species.
Prevention
The common man can play a crucial role in preventing species extinction and habitat conservation in the country.
The only solution to prevent extinction is habitat conservation and its expansion. This could be done by allocating abandoned land for habitat regeneration near the ecosystem. Relocation of villages inside wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in India.
Conservation of crucial natural resources, encouraging usage of renewable energy. A discouraging industry that depends heavily on wood - use less paper and recycle it. Discourage urbanization and industrial development near fragile ecosystems.
Preventing wildlife crimes like poaching and illegal logging. Responsible tourism with profit sharing by the hospitality industry. Fighting for pro-active policies for nature conservation.
Living in an eco-friendly manner in order to conserve natural resources. Love all life forms and throw away any myths and fears that encourage the vermin attitude.
The diversity that exists in the wildlife of India is amazing and mind-boggling. Indian wildlife is our inheritance, it is crucial for our survival since we are very much dependent on nature.
Every citizen of India should be concerned about nature and the environment. All life forms are interlinked hence their survival is crucial to us all. As our culture speaks we must respect all life forms on Earth.
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