India is home to many unique and rare animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. Notable examples include the Asiatic Lion, found in Gujarat, and the Great Indian Bust, mainly located in Rajasthan. These species face threats from habitat loss and poaching, making conservation efforts vital.
During the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, about 335 to 175 million years ago, a supercontinent called Pangea existed.
This vast landmass was formed by the collision and merger of several smaller continents, creating a single unified landmass on Earth.
However, due to continental drift, this region of Pangea began to break up during the Jurassic period, leading to the formation of the continents as we know them today.
With this, animals, plants, and other organisms that once could move freely throughout Pangea became isolated on separate continents.
This causes animals to diversify, so some species only evolved on one continent and cannot be found anywhere else.
One such example is the panda, which is native to China and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Another example is the Gharials, which are native to the Indian subcontinent and are not found in any other region.
So, in this article, we will explore the top 10 animals that are endemic to India and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
These unique species have adapted to their specific environment in India, making them truly one of a kind in the animal kingdom.
Incredible list of Indian animals you won’t find outside of India
Below is a list of 10 rare animal species native to India and at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. Some of these species include:
Related stories
| ARE NOT. | Animal species | Location found | State(s). | Important information |
| 1 | Asiatic lion | Gir National Park | Gujarat | The only remaining population of Asiatic lions in the world is about 674 individuals. |
| 2 | Great Indian Collaboration | Rajasthan and Gujarat | Rajasthan, Gujarat | This is the heaviest flying bird species, seriously endangered with a population of about 150 individuals due to habitat loss and hunting. |
| 3 | Sangai deer | Keibul Lamjao National Park | Manipur | Also known as the dancing deer, this species inhabits only floating grasslands with a population of about 260 animals. |
| 4 | Lion-tailed monkey | Western Ghats | Kerala, Karnataka | An endangered primate known for its distinctive mane; Its habitat is threatened by deforestation. |
| 5 | Nilgiri Tahr | Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats | Tamil Nadu, Kerala | A mountain goat species whose population is decreasing by about 2,500-3,000 due to habitat loss and poaching. |
| 6 | Kashmir Deer (Hangul) | Dachigam National Park | Jammu & Kashmir | It is a highly endangered deer species with a population of about 150 animals, mainly threatened by habitat fragmentation. |
| 7 | Malabar civet | Western Ghats | Kerala | One of the rarest mammals in India, is facing extinction due to habitat destruction and hunting. |
| 8 | Dwarf Pig | Manas National Park | Assam | The world’s smallest wild boar species, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining; they are shy and nocturnal. |
| 9 | Nilgiri Green Robin | Nilgiri Hills | Tamil Nadu | A small bird species facing extinction due to habitat loss, mainly found in mountain grasslands. |
| 10 | Ganges river dolphin | Ganges River | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal | India’s national aquatic animal, these dolphins are nearly blind and rely on echolocation to hunt their prey. |
| 11 | Indian giant squirrel | Western Ghats | Maharashtra | Known for its large size and colorful plumage; it plays an important role in seed dispersal within its ecosystem. |
| 12 | Purple frog | Western Ghats | Kerala | This unique amphibian spends most of its life underground; it emerges during the monsoon to breed. |
| 13 | Nicobar pigeon | Nicobar Islands | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | A unique species of pigeon that is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. |
| 14 | Indian pangolin | different areas | All over India | Critically endangered due to poaching for scales; Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal globally. |
| 15 | Namdapha flying squirrel | Namdapha National Park | Arunachal Pradesh | An elusive species found only in this national park; it is threatened due to habitat loss. |
| 16 | Bengal tiger | Various national parks | All over India | India’s iconic national animal; Populations have decreased significantly due to poaching and habitat destruction. |
| 17 | Indian Gharial | Ganges River and its tributaries | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | A critically endangered species of crocodile that primarily eats fish; Conservation efforts are underway. |
| 18 | Indian rhinoceros | Kaziranga National Park | Assam | Known for its single horn; The population has recovered thanks to successful conservation efforts but remains vulnerable. |
| 19 | Snow leopard | Himalayan region | Jammu & Kashmir | Adapted to cold mountainous environments; They are elusive predators and are mainly nocturnal. |
| 20 | Bugun Liocichla | Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary | Arunachal Pradesh | A critically endangered bird discovered in the early 2000s, with a population of about 20-22 individuals remaining due to habitat loss. |
Source: Big Cats India
1. Asiatic lion
- Location: Gir National Park, Gujarat
- Population: About 674 individuals
- Description: Only the Asiatic lion population remains; are threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
- Appearance: Mane shorter than African lion; tawny jacket.
- Food: Mainly deer and wild boar.
- Habitat: Dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
2. Great Indian Bust
- Location: Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Population: About 150 people
- Description: Critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Appearance: Large size, long legs and distinctive black crown.
- Food: Insects, seeds and small mammals.
- Habitat: Grasslands and shrublands.
3. Sangai Deer
- Location: Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
- Population: About 260 individuals
- Description: Critically endangered; threatened by habitat degradation and hunting.
- Appearance: Unique floating grassland habitat; slim figure.
- Food: Grass and aquatic plants.
- Habitat: floating wetlands.
4. Lion-tailed monkey
- Location: Western Ghats, Kerala, Karnataka
- Population: Less than 2,500 individuals
- Description: Endangered due to deforestation; distinctive mane around the face.
- Food: Fruits, seeds and insects.
- Habitat: Tropical rainforest.
5. Nilgiri Tahr
- Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Population: About 2,500-3,000 individuals
- Description: Endangered; threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
- Appearance: Stocky body with curved horns; gray-brown jacket.
- Food: Grass and shrubs.
- Habitat: Mountainous areas.
6. Kashmir Deer (Hangul)
- Location: Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir
- Population: About 150 people
- Description: Critically endangered; threatened by habitat fragmentation.
- Appearance: large antlers; reddish brown jacket.
- Food: Grass, leaves and shrubs.
- Habitat: Forested area.
7. Malabar civet
- Location: Western Ghats, Kerala
- Population: Unknown; may be extinct in the wild
- Description: Rare mammal; threatened by habitat destruction.
- Appearance: Cat-like body with long tail; dark fur with spots.
- Food: Fruits, small mammals and birds.
- Habitat: Tropical forests.
8. Dwarf pig
- Location: Manas National Park, Assam
- Population: Less than 250 individuals
- Description: Critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Appearance: Smallest wild boar; short legs and chubby body.
- Food: Roots, tubers and insects.
- Habitat: Tall grasslands.
9. Nilgiri Green Robin
- Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
- Population: Unknown; extremely dangerous
- Description: Endangered due to habitat loss due to deforestation.
- Appearance: Small in size with bright blue fur.
- Food: Insects and small invertebrates.
- Habitat: Mountain forests.
10. Ganges river dolphin
- Location: Ganga basin across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
- Population: Estimated about 1,800 individuals
- Description: National aquatic animal of India; threatened by pollution and dam construction on the river.
- Appearance: Almost blind; grayish pink with a rounded snout.
- Diet: Fish and crustaceans.
- Habitat: Freshwater rivers.
