Question 1

Accepted Answer

Bengal Tiger. The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the national animal of India, declared so in 1973 when Project Tiger was launched. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. As of the 2022 tiger census, India has approximately 3,682 tigers, which is about 75% of the world's wild tiger population.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

Gujarat. The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) survives only in the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The 2020 census recorded 674 Asiatic Lions in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, showing a significant rise from 523 in 2015.

Question 3

Accepted Answer

Assam. The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is primarily found in Assam, especially in Kaziranga National Park which holds over 70% of the world's total population. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Kaziranga had approximately 2,613 rhinos as per the 2018 census, making it a global stronghold for this species.

Question 4

Accepted Answer

Great Indian Bustard. The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is the state bird of Rajasthan. Its population has declined to fewer than 150 individuals primarily due to habitat loss and power line collisions. The Supreme Court of India in 2021 ordered power lines to be undergrounded in its critical habitat in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Question 5

Accepted Answer

Himalayan alpine zone. The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits the high-altitude Himalayan alpine and sub-alpine zones, typically between 3,000 and 5,400 metres. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. India launched Project Snow Leopard in 2009, and states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are key habitats. India has an estimated 400–700 snow leopards.

Endangered Species of India — Set 1