Help save these 5 endangered species in India

EVERY animal on Earth is important for all life forms to survive. We are all interconnected species and maintaining adequate populations of mammals, marine animals, birds and insects is essential for all creatures on the planet to thrive. But due to various reasons such as excessive hunting or the loss of their habitats, the populations of some animals and plants are lessened to the point that they become endangered species. This is when the population of that animal dwindles to such a low number that they are in danger of extinction altogether. When this happens, it spells catastrophe for all life on Earth.

 

In 2015, scientists released a complete chart to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showing that all 2.3 million species on Earth are related. This chart shows that each life form is linked to the other and highlights even more the importance of animal conservation efforts to ensure that our entire ecosystem is not thrown off balance by the increasing number of endangered species or the needless deaths of animals due to human-animal conflict. With tens of thousands of new species being discovered each year, this list will continue to be a work in progress with each discovery being added to the “tree of life” that connects us all. 

Endangered Species Day 

The third Friday of May is Endangered Species Day and around the world, individuals and organizations highlight the issue of the threat to certain animal species and what we can do to mitigate the dangers facing them. The theme for Endangered Species Day 2025 is A Celebration to Save Species and calls on people everywhere to do their part to save endangered species facing extinction. Observed worldwide since 2006, Endangered Species Day sees children and adults in schools, offices and communities showcasing their ideas, skill and talent to express the importance they feel toward saving species from extinction. 

 

You can help save these 5 endangered species in India:

 

Asian Elephant

In a pre-pandemic census conducted throughout India, it was found that there are around 30,000 elephants in the country. But more recent estimates reveal the number is closer to 15,000 with numbers declining in a gradual manner. That is half the previous number and this calls for a serious and concerted effort on the part of individuals and elephant NGOs to reduce human-elephant conflict and hunting, prevent encroachment on elephant territory, ensure permanent elephant food sources and stop the use of elephants for entertainment in zoos and other areas which separate them from their families and cause fatal levels of distress.  

Bengal Tiger

The Bengal Tiger is the symbol of India around the world. The tiger population in India is around three and a half thousand but tigers are still an endangered species. One of the main dangers that tigers face is excessive poaching and smuggling of their bones, fur and other parts within India and across the border, fueling the illegal wildlife trade. NGOs in India aid the tiger conservation effort through their work with local authorities to curb the crimes that poachers and hunters commit. These NGOs also work with local communities to equip them with less fatal ways to deal with tiger encounters and ensure tiger habitats are protected.

Asiatic Lion

In India, the Asiatic Lion lives in the Gir Forest in Gujarat. 2024 estimates place the number of lions at just above 670 as of 2020 which is 100 more than the previous year but still classifies them as an endangered species. The dangers that these lions face include electrocutions from electric fences that are erected by farmers and also accidental drownings in pits that are dug for agricultural purposes. NGOs that focus on lion conservation make use of digital technology to track and monitor their whereabouts, health and potential conflict with humans. These organizations also ensure that their natural habitats and homes are preserved. 

Snow Leopard

Found in snow-capped mountainous areas, snow leopards aren’t animals we associate with tropical India. But around 700 snow leopards are found in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir (in descending order of snow leopard populations), as of 2024. These unique mammals are victims of poaching and starvation due to the sharp decline in the population of their prey. But conservation organizations are working with local authorities to increase the snow leopard population and protect the species through habitat protection and raising awareness amongst local communities. 

Indian Rhinoceros  

The One-Horned Rhinoceros is found in the Himalayan region and in West Bengal and Assam and is now mostly to be found in Kaziranga National Park. The population of One-Horned rhinos in India are estimated to be around 3,600 to 4,000 as per a 2024 estimate. But these animals are excessively hunted for their horns which are in high demand for its medicinal purposes and as a “collector’s item”. Indian NGOs have made great success in increasing the number of Indian Rhinoceros populations and reducing human-animal conflict when the animals need to move to higher ground when there are floods or other natural disasters.

Save endangered species in India

This Endangered Species Day, people across India can come together to learn more about the unique and diverse animals that are found in different terrains across India and do their part to protect them and increase their populations. India has had many conservation success stories and this is because of the involvement of citizens who prioritize the value that these animals bring to our natural world. Explore these animal conservation NGOs and pledge your support to ensure that India protects and nurtures its endangered species and brings them to healthy population levels. Happy Endangered Species Day! 

 

Help Animal Conservation NGOs

 

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