Top 10 Critically Endangered Wildlife of India

Critically Endangered species of wild animals are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The IUCN Red List provides conservation status into seven different categories based on different level, Here is the list of top 10 Critically Endangered species found in India.

Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu) – Hangul

Kashmir stag also known as hangul, Is a large subspecies of red deer endemic to Kashmir of India and surrounding areas. Hangul found in dense forests and riverine valley of the Dachigam National Park and mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.

Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina) – Malabar Civet

The large Malabar civet is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and listed as Critically Endangered. Malabar civet is known as Kannan chandu and differs from the large-spotted civet and large Indian civet.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) – Fish-eating Crocodile

Gharial or fish-eating crocodile is among the longest of all living crocodilians. The gharial is well adapted to catching fish and evolved in the northern Indian subcontinent.

Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) – Indian Bustard

Great Indian bustard is among the heaviest of the flying birds found in the world and listed as critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss. Indian bustard is one of the only five species of bustard found in India.

Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) – Bengal Bustard

The Bengal florican also called as the Bengal bustard is another critically endangered species of bird in India. Bengal bustard is the only member of the genus Houbaropsis and is the world’s rarest bustard.

Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) – Long-billed Vulture

The long-billed vulture is a large species of bird of prey native to the Indian subcontinent. Indian vulture is a keystone species that has been listed as Critically Endangered and today only breeds mainly on small cliffs and hilly crags in central India.

Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) – Flying Squirrel

Namdapha flying squirrel is a large flying squirrel endemic to Arunachal Pradesh and inhabits tall Mesua ferrea jungles. The flying squirrel is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) – Roofed Turtle

Assam roofed turtle species found in the Brahmaputra river and drainage in India and parts of eastern states. The species is amphibious and found in terrestrial and freshwater areas.

Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) – River Terrapin

The northern river terrapin is a species of riverine turtle found in India, has been classified as Critically Endangered. River terrapin is one of Asia’s largest freshwater and brackwater turtles.

Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla – Scaly Anteater

Chinese pangolin is one of the two species of scaly anteater found in India, Indian pangolin is being other. This one is native to the northern part of Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and southern China.