Threatened species

India is home to a number of threatened species, many of which are not too well known. These often neglected species from the backbone of differend ecosystems. Some of these species are:
            GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD                         

Indian Bustard

Indian Bustard

Indian Bustard

Indian Bustard

The great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is endemic to the indian subcontinent. Currently, only about 300 birds exist in the world with no known breeding populations outside India. They are found in fragmented locations in just 5 states: Andhra pradesh, karnataka, Madhya pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is the state bird of Rajasthan. Degradation of grasslands that are needed for their survival and illegal hunting are main causes for decline in their population.
                      SARUS CRANE
                               

Sarus crane

Sarus crane

The sarus crane(Grus antigone) is the only resident crane of india.At 155cm, it it is the tallest of the Indian cranes. It is also the tallest flying bird in the world. The sarus serves as an indicator species for wetlands. Of the estimated 8,000 to 10,000 birds in the country, 2,500 to 3,000 are found in uttar pradesh, which has Adopted the sarus crane as its state bird. Loss of wetlands is the major reason for the decline of the sarus.
                      RED PANDA
                             

Red panda

Red panda

The red panda(Ailurus fulgens), also known sometimes as firecat and lesser panda. Is largely herbivorus. Majority of the indian population occurs in Arunachal pradesh. Red panda numbers are declining over much of their range due to deforestation and habitat loss. They are also hunted for their pelt, which is used to make traditional hats and clothing in china.
                    NILAGIRI TAHR
                               

Nilagiri tahr

Nilagiri tahr

The Nilagiri tahr(Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is endemic to the Nilagiri Hills and the southern portion of the western Ghats. It is the state animal of Thamil Nadu. Adult males develop a light grey area or "saddle" on their backs and are hence called "saddlebacks". There are around 2200 to 2500 individuals in the wild. The species has been under severe stress on account of illegal hunting, construction of numerous hydroelectric projects, timber felling and monoculture plantation of eucalyptus and wattles.
                   WWF- India not only works towards the conservation of charismatic species such as the tiger, elephant and rhinoceros, but along for the conservation of many lesser-known species which are equally threatened, or are on the verge of extinction.