Endangered animals: A call to Action

Understanding the crisis and conservation efforts

 What are Endangered Species ?
 An Endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction due to various
factors such as habitat loss, habitat degradation, poaching, climate change, and
other human-induced threats.
 The term "endangered" is used to describe a species that faces a very high risk
of extinction in the near future.
 As of [insert latest year], India is home to [insert number] of endangered
species according to the IUCN Red List.
 These species encompass a wide range of taxa including mammals, birds,
reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.The number of endangered
species in India underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect
its rich biodiversity.
 BIODIVERSITY IN INDIA
India is home to an extraordinary variety of
ecosystems, ranging from dense rainforests to vast
deserts, high-altitude mountains to coastal
mangroves .
Key ecosystems include :
• Tropical Rainforests: In the Western Ghats
and the Northeastern states, rich in endemic
species .
• Deciduous Forests: Cover large parts of
central and eastern India, providing habitat
for diverse flora and fauna .
• Grasslands: Such as the savannas of the
Deccan Plateau and the vast wetlands like the
RaNN of Kutch .
• Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: Including
mangroves, coral reefs, and marine habitats
along the extensive coastline .
• Alpine Meadows: In the Himalayan region,
supporting unique high-altitude species
adapted to harsh conditions.
Categories of Endangered Species
 The IUCN Red List categories are part of a global system intended to classify species at high
risk of extinction. Here’s a brief explanation of the categories:
 Critically Endangered (CR): This category is for species that are facing an extremely high risk
of extinction in the wild. It’s used when a species meets any of the criteria designed to analyze
the risk of extinction and is therefore considered to be facing an immediate threat to its
survival.
 Endangered (EN): Species classified under this category are considered to be at a very high risk
of extinction in the wild. This is due to a significant decline in their population or habitat.
 Vulnerable (VU): This category includes species that are at high risk of extinction in the wild in
the medium-term future, but not as high as those classified as Endangered or Critically
Endangered.
 As for the statistics, the IUCN Red List now includes 134,425 species, of which 37,480 are
threatened with extinction1. In India, the number of species listed as endangered has been
increasing, with about 3,655 floral and 1,693 faunal species added to the list according to a 2018
report2. This highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these species and
their habitats.
 THE BENGAL TIGER
• The Bengal Tiger is one of the most
iconic and charismatic species of
India's wildlife
• Historically, Bengal Tigers ranged
across large parts of the Indian
subcontinent, but due to habitat loss,
fragmentation, and poaching, their
population has declined significantly.
• Habitat loss and degradation are
primarily caused by human activities
such as deforestation, agriculture,
urbanization, and infrastructure
development, leading to the
fragmentation of tiger habitats and
loss of prey species.
 THE INDIAN RHINO
The Indian rhino, also known as the Greater One-Horned rhino, is an
iconic endangered species in India. There are fewer than 3,000
individuals left in the wild, and they face significant threats from
habitat loss and poaching. These rhinos are hunted for their horns,
which are used in traditional medicine and as dagger handles1. Efforts
to conserve this magnificent species have been ongoing, with initiatives
like the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020) playing a crucial role.
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020): This ambitious program was
initiated as a collaboration between the Assam Forest Department,
International Rhino Foundation, and WWF India. Its goal was to
expand the range of the critically endangered rhino from three
protected areas within Assam to seven, including the globally
recognized Manas National Park. By reintroducing rhinos into Manas
National Park, which had lost its thriving population due to local
conflicts, the program aimed to boost the state’s rhino population. Over
the past 12 years, despite challenges, the Assam Forest Department,
along with partners and local communities, successfully reintroduced 20
rhinos into Manas National Park, which now boasts 43 rhinos. This
achievement significantly contributes to the target set by the Rhino
Task Force to have 3,000 rhinos distributed across the seven protected
areas by the end of 2020
THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps ) is a
critically endangered bird species native to the Indian
subcontinent. With fewer than 150 individuals remaining
in the wild, the GIB faces numerous threats that are
driving it towards extinction. These threats are following:
• Power Lines: High-tension power lines pose a
significant threat to GIBs. Due to their large size and
limited frontal vision, these birds often collide with
power lines, resulting in fatalities.
• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Conversion of
grasslands and scrublands for agriculture, industrial
development, and infrastructure projects has led to
habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Hunting: Although hunting is illegal in India, sporadic
incidents of poaching still occur.
• Pesticide Use: Extensive pesticide use near GIB
habitats negatively impacts their health and
reproduction.
• Free-ranging Dogs: Dogs prey on GIB eggs and chicks
during the breeding season2.
 THE HIMALYAN QUAIL
The Himalayan quail ( Ophrysia Superciliosa ) is a captivating bird
species native to the western Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the
north-western region of India. Here are some key facts about this
elusive bird:
• Population: The last recorded population estimate was less than
50 individuals, and no sightings have been reported since 1876.
• Conservation Issues: The species declined significantly due to
hunting during the colonial period. By the 1800s, sightings were
extremely rare, leaving only about 50 individuals in the wild.
Although it has not been sighted in many years, there is still
hope that a small population survives in the lower or middle
Himalayan range.
• Habitat and Distribution: The Himalayan quail prefers higher
altitudes and inhabits long grass and scrubs on steep hillsides.
Its last recorded sightings were from Mussourie and Nainital
hill stations before 18771.
• Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this enigmatic bird.
Organizations like WWF-India raise awareness and encourage
people to search for it. Let’s continue our efforts to safeguard its
potential habitat!
 THE GHARIAL
The Gharial ( Gavialis gangeticus ) is a critically endangered crocodilian species
native to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Here are some key points
about the gharial’s status and conservation efforts:
Population Decline: Since the 1930s, the wild Gharial population has drastically
declined due to various threats.
Habitat and Range: Gharial inhabit rivers in the plains of India, Nepal, and
Bangladesh.
Physical Characteristics:
Long, narrow snout with 110 sharp, interlocking teeth (adapted for catching fish).
Adult males have a boss at the end of their snout, resembling an earthenware pot
(“ ghara ”).
Conservation Challenges:
Habitat Loss: Dam construction and river channelization affect their natural
habitat.
Overfishing: Reduced fish availability impacts gharials’ food source.
Destructive Fishing Methods: Illegal fishing practices harm gharials.
Conservation Efforts:
Captive breeding programs aim to reintroduce gharials into the wild.
Awareness campaigns promote their protection.
Ongoing Threats: Despite efforts, challenges persist, threatening their survival.
 THE SNOW LEOPARD
The snow leopard, known scientifically as Panthera uncia, is a majestic large
cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia . It's listed as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a global population estimated to
number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and expected to decline about
10% by 2040. The snow leopard is mainly threatened by poaching and habitat
destruction following infrastructural developments.
In India, snow leopards are found in the Himalayan region, and it's estimated
that there are between 400 to 700 snow leopards in the country. They inhabit
alpine and subalpine zones at elevations of 3,000–4,500 meters preferring
steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines. These elusive
creatures are rarely seen by humans and are often referred to as the ‘ghost of
the mountains’ due to their stealth and camouflage abilities.
Conservation efforts in India include the centrally-supported program called
Project Snow Leopard to conserve the species and its habitats. The
Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for
the high-altitude Himalayas. WWF India is also actively involved in the
conservation and population assessment of snow leopards in collaboration
with the government.
The snow leopard's unique adaptations to its cold and harsh environment,
along with its striking beauty, make it an important symbol for conservation
efforts in the regions it inhabits. Protecting this species is crucial for
maintaining the ecological balance and preserving the biodiversity of the high-
altitude ecosystems they call home.
 CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Conservation efforts in India are diverse and involve various stakeholders, including government bodies, non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities. Here are some key initiatives:
- Project tiger- Launched in 1973, this is one of India's most successful conservation efforts, aimed at protecting the
Bengal tiger's habitat and population.
- Project Elephant- Initiated in 1992, it focuses on elephant conservation, habitat restoration, and reducing human-
elephant conflict.
- WWF-India's Threatened Species Conservation Programme : Addresses species conservation through field
activities and direct interventions. It includes efforts to conserve species like the Nilgiri tahr , Asiatic lion, snow
leopard, and others¹.
- Legal Framework : India has strong wildlife protection laws, such as the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which
provides a legal framework for species conservation.
- Community Involvement: Local communities are involved in conservation efforts through eco-development
committees and awareness programs.
-Research and Monitoring: Scientific research and regular monitoring of species populations and habitats are
conducted to inform conservation strategies.
- Habitat Protection: Efforts are made to protect and restore critical habitats, including the establishment of wildlife
corridors and protected areas.
-Combating Wildlife Crime: India collaborates with international organizations to combat illegal wildlife trade and
poaching.
These efforts are crucial for the survival of endangered species and the maintenance of India's rich biodiversity.
 CONCLUSION
 Protecting Our Natural Heritage
 India is a land of astounding biodiversity, home to some of the world’s most unique and
irreplaceable species. However, this rich natural heritage is under threat, with over 950 animal
species and 600 plant species currently facing the risk of extinction. The causes are many,
including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution.
 The conservation of endangered species is not just about saving individual animals or plants; it’s
about preserving the intricate web of life that sustains us all. It’s about maintaining the
ecological balance that supports our agriculture, protects our water sources, and regulates our
climate.
 A Call to Action
 As we stand at this critical juncture, the need for action has never been more urgent. It’s time for
each one of us to step up and contribute to the conservation efforts:
 Support wildlife conservation organizations.
 Promote and participate in eco-friendly practices.
 Educate others about the importance of biodiversity.
 Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that future generations inherit a world teeming with
the wonders of nature. Let’s pledge to be the voice for the voiceless and the guardians of our
planet’s precious wildlife.