Critical Mammals

  • Pygmy Hog: The world’s smallest wild pig; indicator of grassland health; found mainly in Assam (Manas National Park).
  • Namdapha Flying Squirrel: Endemic to a single valley in the Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Kolar Leaf-nosed Bat: Restricted to a single cave location in Kolar, Karnataka.
  • Malabar Civet: Endemic to the Western Ghats, threatened by severe habitat loss.

Critical Birds

  • Great Indian Bustard: Grassland bird heavily impacted by overhead power line collisions in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Bengal Florican: Grassland specialist facing agricultural conversion in the Terai region.
  • White-bellied Heron: Found near remote rivers in the eastern Himalayas and foothills.
  • Vulture Species (Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture): Decimated historically by the veterinary drug diclofenac

Critical Reptiles

  • Gharial: Fish-eating crocodilian with populations restricted mainly to the Chambal River system.
  • Red-crowned Roofed Turtle: Freshwater turtle native to the Ganga River basin.

 

Source: The Hindu