Endangered species are those species of plants or animals that are in danger of becoming extinct in the near future. This can be due to a variety of factors, including habitat destruction, overhunting, climate change, pollution, and disease.
Endemic species are those that are found only in a particular geographic location and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. This can be due to the unique environmental conditions or evolutionary history of that location. Endemic species are often highly specialized and may have evolved unique adaptations to their specific environment.
Some species can be both endangered and endemic, meaning they are at risk of becoming extinct and are only found in a specific geographic location. These species are particularly important to protect because they are unique and irreplaceable, and their loss would represent a significant loss of biodiversity.
India is home to a wide range of unique and diverse species, many of which are endemic and endangered. Here are some examples of endangered and endemic species found in India:
- Bengal tiger: The Bengal tiger is a highly endangered species found in India, and is also the national animal of the country. They are found in various protected areas across India, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Asiatic lion: The Asiatic lion is another highly endangered species found only in the Gir forest of Gujarat, India.
- Indian rhinoceros: The Indian rhinoceros is a large, endangered mammal found in the northeastern part of India, specifically in the state of Assam.
- Nilgiri tahr: The Nilgiri tahr is an endemic species found only in the Western Ghats of India, specifically in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Indian giant squirrel: The Indian giant squirrel is an endemic species found in the forests of India, mainly in the Western Ghats.
- Great Indian bustard: The Great Indian bustard is a critically endangered bird species found mainly in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
- Sangai deer: The Sangai deer is an endangered and endemic species found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park in the state of Manipur.
- Jerdon’s courser: Jerdon’s courser is a critically endangered bird species endemic to the scrub forests of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.