10 most endangered species in india to see before they're gone!

India has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including both endangered and critically endangered species. The vast array of wildlife that finds sanctuary here is among its most captivating features, drawing in tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

However, in recent times, a significant number of these wild animals face grave threats to their species as a whole. Endangered species are those on the brink of extinction, existing in perilously low numbers with declining populations.

The escalating presence of highly endangered wildlife species poses a pressing concern amid the enchanting biodiversity of any region. So, here is a list of 10 most endangered species found in India.

The Bengal Tiger, a species critically endangered, hails from the Indian subcontinent. It holds the distinction of being the national animal of India and Bangladesh, and is renowned worldwide as an iconic symbol of wildlife.

Also known as the Indian lion or Persian lion, the Asiatic lion is a critically endangered species native to the Indian subcontinent. It serves as the emblematic national animal of Gujarat, India, celebrated for its majestic mane and robust physique.

The Snow Leopard, a critically endangered member of the big cat family, inhabits the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including India. Renowned for its elusive nature and ability to thrive in harsh, cold climates.

The Indian rhinoceros, recognised as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, faces critical endangerment. It is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its singular horn and armoured hide.

The Nilgiri tahr, a species of wild goat, finds its habitat in the Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats mountain ranges of southern India. It is honoured as the state animal of Tamil Nadu and also referred to as the Nilgiri ibex or Nilgiri wild goat.

Native to India, the great Indian bustard is a sizable bird, with males reaching heights of up to 1.2 m and weighing as much as 15 kg. Classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of fewer than 250 individuals.

Due to rampant poaching and habitat loss, the blackbuck, or Indian antelope, faces severe endangerment in India. Once numbering around 80,000 in 1947, the population plummeted to 8,000 within two decades. Despite conservation efforts, threats such as predation by stray dogs, pesticides, and vehicular traffic persist.

The Indian bison, the largest and tallest wild cattle species, is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. However, it faces severe threats from wildlife poaching, habitat destruction, and food scarcity. Classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, it is safeguarded under India's Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, the lion-tailed macaque is among the most endangered primates globally, with an estimated population of around 2,500.

​The Namdapha flying squirrel, found in Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, India, is a large species of flying squirrel, with a body length of up to 36 cm and a wingspan of up to 70 cm.