Species

ANIMALS
1. Elephants
- Largest mammals
- Seismic, chemical, vocal, acoustic, visual, tactical communication
- Elephant ears are heat radiators
- Matriarchal
- Herbivorous and stay near water
- Only animals that can't jump
- Keystone species
- 3 species in the world:
a) Asian Elephant - EN
b) African Bush Elephant - EN
c) African Forest Elephant - CR-EN
- When family walks through rivers or gullies, rejuvenates them by making
marks on floor - so called architects of forest
- Good swimmers despite heavy body - trunk for snorkelling; swim in groups
- 60% of Asian Elephants in India – largest remaining population in India
- Population: Karnataka > Assam > Kerala
- Gaj Yatra: nationwide awareness campaign
- Project RE-HAB in Karnataka (Nagarhole) by KVIC: reduce man-elephant
conflict using bees
2. One Horned Rhino:

- Largest rhino species
- Only rhino in India (91% found in India)
- Solitary animals
- Mark territory with urine and dung
- Horns grow continuously during their lifetime
- Roll in mud to give themselves protective ‘mud coat’
- Rhino Range Countries: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia
- In India, found in Assam, WB, UP and Bihar (Valmiki NP)
- Kaziranga: Largest population
- Pobitoro: Highest density; called ‘Mini Kaziranga’
- Other Rhino Species:
1. Sumatran Rhino – extinct in India; smallest (critically endangered)
2. Javan Rhino: extinct in India in 20th century
3. Black Rhino
4. Northern White Rhino: only ones to live in herd (others are solitary); last
surviving male died recently in Sudan
- Rhino + Birds = Mutualism
- New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos (2019)
NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
3. Cats in India
- 16 cats in India
- 5 big cats: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded
Leopard
- Difference b/w Jaguar and Leopard: Rosette is different
- Spatial Mark Resights (SMR) model: to count melanistic leopards with hidden
rosette
- Black panther: melanistic common leopard (in West, melanistic jaguar)
4. Asiatic Lion (Persian Lion / Indian Lion)

- Differences with African Lion
a) Smaller
b) Longitudinal fold along belly
- Live in matriarchal groups
- Only found in India, in Gir NP (Gujarat)
- Lion Census: every 5 years
- Poonam Avlokan: monthly in-house census exercise only by forest staff
- Maldharis: symbiotic relationship with Lions
- Asiatic Lion Conservation Project: 2018-21 by MoEFCC
- Kuno-Palpur NP: indentified for relocation
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
5. Snow Leopard
- Also called ‘Ghost of the Mountains’

- 12 Range Countries: SCO + Afghanistan, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal
- Bishkek Declaration (2013): Protect at least 20 range landscapes by 2020
- Snow Leopard Capital of the World: Hemis NP, Ladakh (Biggest NP in India)
- In India: J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
- Snow Leopard Conservation Breeding Programme at Padmaja Naidu
Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling
- Himal Sanrakshak: community volunteer program by MoEFCC
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix I
6. Clouded Leopard
- In India: Sikkim, WB, 7 Sisters
- Good climbers
- Sites: Dampa TR (Mizoram), Buxa TR (WB), Sipahijola WS (Tripura)
- Dampa TR: highest population + site for conservation
- State animal of Meghalaya
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
7. Cheetah
- Declared Extinct in India in 1952
- African Cheetah being translocated from Namibia to Kuno-Palpur NP (MP)
(1st inter-continent relocation of a large carnivore)
African Cheetah Asiatic Cheetah

Bigger Smaller and Paler
Found in: Africa Found in: Iran
IUCN: Vulnerable IUCN: Critically Endangered
8. Golden Tiger
- Also called Tabby Tiger or Strawberry Tiger
- Yellow skin controlled by agouti genes
- Black stripes controlled by tabby genes
- India’s only golden tiger: Kazi 106F in Kaziranga

9. Eurasian Lynx
- Only lynx species in India
- Biggest of all 4 species
- In India: Found in mountains of Ladakh, Himachal,
Sikkim and North-East
- IUCN: Least Concern
10. Fishing Cat

- Nocturnal
- Feeds on fish
- Partially webbed feet help in swimming
- Dry after swimming due to a double coat
- Biggest among small cats
- Around Eastern Ghats, Sunderbans, Chilika Lake, etc.
- State Animal of West Bengal
- Called Kla Trey – ‘Tiger Fish’ - in Cambodia
- Conservation Project: in Bhitarkanika NP
- Fishing Cat Project: awareness project in WB in 2010
- Know Thy Neighbours: community monitoring programme in WB
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix II
11. Caracal (Desert Lynx)

- On verge of extinction in India
- Found in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and MP
- Chambal Ravines its natural habitat
- Nocturnal wildcat
- Ability to catch bird in flight
- Mentioned in Akbarnama, Tutinama, and Shahnamah
- IUCN: Least Concern (Critically Endangered in India)
12. Rusty Spotted Cat

- World’s smallest cat
- Nocturnal, good climbers and fierce hunters
- Only found in India, Sri Lanka and terai region of Nepal
- IUCN: Near Threatened
- WPA: Schedule I
13. Marbled Cat

- Found in forests of Eastern Himalayas
- CITES: Appendix I

14. Jungle Cat
- Also called ‘Reed Cat’ or ‘Swamp Cat’
- Can jump high to catch prey
- In India, found in Dehing-Patkai, Assam
15. Indian Desert Cat (Asiatic Wild Cat)

- In India: Thar Desert (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
16. Leopard Cat

- Nocturnal
- First cat to be domesticated
17. Golden Cat

- Found in North East India, mainly in Dibang Valley of Arunachal
18. Pallas’ Cat

- Also called ‘Manul’
- Scent-mark their territories
- Only cat with pupils as circles (others: vertical slits)
- Found in Sikkim, Ladakh and Uttarakhand (Ladakh
has 3 felines: Pallas Cat, Lynx, Snow Leopard)
- WPA: Schedule I
19. Striped Hyena

- Only hyena species in India
- Native to North and East Africa, Middle East,
Central Asia, Indian subcontinent
- Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP, Western Ghats
- Smallest + Nocturnal
- Primarily a scavenger, sometimes kill their own prey
- Monogamous and equal role of males and females in
nurturing cubs
- Act as pest controls
- WPA: Schedule III
- CITES: Appendix III

20. Indian Wolf
- Inhabits semi-arid and arid areas
- No winter coat since found in warm areas
- Nocturnal
- Less than tigers in India
- States: Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Andhra
- Jai Samand Sanctuary (Raj): only place in India where
wolves kept in captivity
- Bankapur WS: proposed WS for Indian Wolf in
Karnataka
- Mahudanr Wolf Sanctuary, Jharkhand: only wolf sanctuary in India
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
21. Himalayan Wolf (Tibetan Wolf)

- Live in high altitudes and adapted to hypoxia
- Found in J&K and Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
22. Bengal Fox (Indian Fox)

- Endemic to Indian subcontinent
- All over India (except Western and Eastern Ghats)
- WPA: Schedule II
23. Indian Desert Fox (White-footed Fox)

- Sub-species of Red Fox
- In India, found in Rajasthan and Kutch region
- Sites:
a) Desert NP, Rajasthan
b) Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, Rajasthan
c) Wild Ass WS, Gujarat
- WPA: Schedule I
24. Dhole (Asian Wild Dog or Red Dog)

- Hunt in packs

- India has largest population of dholes
- In India, found in Western Ghats, Central India and North-East India
- First conservation breeding centre: Indira Gandhi Zoo in Vizag in 2014
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule II
25. Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

- Only species of red deer/elk in India
- Found in Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
(Zabarwan Range)
- Only males have antlers
- Project Hangul: in 1970s by J&K Govt, IUCN, WWF
- Hangul Conservation Project: by Wildlife
Conservation Fund (estd. 2010)
- State Animal of J&K
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- WPI: Schedule I
26. Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)

- Only Indian antelope where females have horns
- Found in grasslands and deserts
- Bishnois of Rajasthan associated with conservation
27. Chital (Spotted Deer / Axis Deer)

- Native to Indian Subcontinent
- Widely distributed in India: from base of Himalayas to
South, except in NE
- State Animal of Telangana
28. Barasingha (Swamp Deer)

- Three subspecies found in India
a) Wetland Barasingha: Kishanpur WS and Dudhwa
NP, UP
b) Hard-ground Barasingha: only in Kanha
c) Eastern Barasingha: Assam
- State Animal of MP
- Mascot of Kanha: Boorsingh the Barasingha
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I

29. Sambar Deer
- Largest deer species in Indian subcontinent
- Native to Indian subcontinent and South East Asia
- Found throughout India
- State Animal of Odisha
- IUCN: Vulnerable
30. Sangai Deer (Thamin or Dancing Deer or Brow-Antlered Deer or Eld’s Deer)
- Only found in Manipur
- Original habitat: Keibul Lamjao NP
- State Animal of Manipur
- Sangai Festival: in Manipur
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
31. Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)

- Makes barking noise when afraid
- Native to South and Southeast Asia
32. Himalayan Musk Deer (White-Bellied Musk Deer)

- Locally called Kasturi Mrig
- Males produce scent called musk; uses to mark territory
- Found in Himalayan region, in high altitudes
- States: J&K, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
- Found in:
a) Kedarnath WS (Gangotri NP)
b) Askot WS
- Himalayan Musk Deer Project: launched in 1981
- State Animal of Uttarakhand
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
33. Indian Hog Deer (Western Hog Deer)

- Name from hog-like manner of running (holding head low)
- Good swimmer
- Ducks instead of jumping over obstacles like other deer
- Marks boundaries with secretions
- Lives in open areas and avoids closed forests
- Native to Asia
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I

34. Blackbuck (Indian Antelope)
- Epitome of Grassland
- Fastest animal in the world after cheetah
- Males known for lekking
- Ringed horns generally only in males
- Symbol of purity in Hinduism
- In Odisha, called Krushnasara Mriga
- Native to India and Nepal
- Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, TN, Odisha and entire
Peninsular region
- State Animal of Punjab, Haryana and Andhra
- Sites:
a) Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, Gujarat
b) Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, Karnataka
c) Vallanadu WS, Tamil Nadu
- Blackbuck Conservation Reserve near Prayagraj: approved in 2017; first
conservation reserve for it
- Bishnois of Rajasthan associated with conservation
- WPA: Schedule I
35. Nilgai (Blue Bull)

- Largest Asian antelope
- Lives in scrub forests and grassy plains
- Sexual diamorphism prominent (two sexes of same
species have different characteristics beyond
difference in sex organs)
- Only males have horns
- Pendant: coarse white hair on the throat
- State Animal of Delhi
- WPA: Schedule III (protected but culling allowed when destroys crops)
36. Markhor
- Largest mountain goat in the world
- Found at two sites in J&K: Kajinag National Park
(Baramulla) and Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary (Shopian)
- Markhor Recovery Project: in J&K in 2009
- National animal of Pakistan

- WPA: Schedule I
37. Bharal (Himalayan Blue Sheep or Naur or Na or Nabo)

- Main prey for Snow Leopards
- Excellent at camouflaging and climbing in mountains
- Found in high Himalayas
- Countries: India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan,
Myanmar
- In India:
a) Kibber WS, HP
b) Hemis NP, Ladakh
c) Gangotri NP, Uttarakhand
38. Urial (Shapu or Arkar)

- Age assessed from horns
- Prefer open terrain
- Native to Pamir mountains, Hindu Kush and
Himalayas
- In India, only found in Ladakh (along Indus and
Shyok rivers)
- IUCN: Vulnerable
39. Tibetan Argali (Nyan or Mountain Sheep)

- Males and females live in separate groups
- In India, found in Ladakh (Largest: Tso Kar basin),
Himachal, Sikkim
- Also sighted in Uttarakhand (Nelang Valley) in 2017
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
40. Himalayan Serow (Jingal or Yemu)

- Herbivores
- Found in high altitudes of Himalayas, but not in Trans-Himalayas
- Only found in Asia
- In India, spotted in
a) Himachal: Spiti , Rupi Bhaba WS (Kinnaur),
Chamba
b) Assam: Manas
- State Animal of Mizoram
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I

41. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex)
- Also called Saddlebacks
- Endemic to Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats in TN and
Kerala
- Eravikulum NP Kerala: largest population
- Mukurthi WS/ Nilgiri Tahr WS: keystone species here
- State Animal of Tamil Nadu
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
42. Himalayan Tahr

- Native to Himalayas in Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan
- Big mane in males
- Shed wool coat when winters end
43. Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)

- Migratory species
- Found in India (Ladakh) and China
- Killed to make Shahtoosh shawls
- Sites:
a) Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WS, Leh
b) Changthang Cold Desert WS, Leh
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
44. Pashmina Goat (Changthangi or Changra)

- Indigenous to high altitude regions of Ladakh
- Reared by Changpa community in Changthang region of
Ladakh
- Raised for Cashmere wool / Pashmina
- Noori: world’s first cloned Pashmina goat
45. Mishmi Takin (Gnu Goat or Goat Antelope)

- Native to India, Myanmar and China
- Found in Arunachal and Sikkim
- Eats bamboo and willow shoots
- Has an oily coat to protect from fog
- Darjeeling Zoo: only zoo with Mishmi Takins in India
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
.

46. Goral
- India has three species:
a) Himalayan Goral (Grey Goral) – Near Threatened –
Arunachal and Sikkim
b) Chinese Goral – Vulnerable – North-East India
c) Red Goral – Vulnerable – meeting point of India,
Tibet and Myanmar
47. Punganur Cow

- World’s smallest breed of cattle
- Endangered
- Drought Resistant
- Milk has high fat content
- No longer officially recognised as a breed since very few left
- Origin: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- Conservation: Livestock Research Station at Palamaner in Chittoor
- FAO has listed it as ‘facing extinction’
48. Wild Water Buffalo (Asian Buffalo)

- Found in alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps
- Sates: mainly Assam, Arunachal, MP,
Chhattisgarh
- Mainly found in north-east (92% of world
population)
- Widest horn span among bovids
- State Animal of Chattisgarh
- Recently translocated from Manas to Udanti WS
(Chhattisgarh)
- Central Indian Wild Buffalo Recovery Project: in Udanti WS
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
49. Indian Bison (Gaur)

- Live in groups
- Led by matriarchs like elephants
- Mostly restricted to protected areas now
- Largest bovine in the world
- Tallest species of wild cattle in India
- State Animal of Bihar
- Radhanagari WS/Dajipur WS in Kolhapur,
Maharashtra is called ‘Bison Sanctuary’ and is a
natural World Heritage Site
- In India, found in

a. Nagarhole
b. Bandipur
c. Masinagudi NP and BR Hills
- Recently, first population estimation in Nilgiri forests
- Mysuru Zoo: Conservation breeding programme started
- IUCN: Vulnerable
50. Mithun (Gayal or Sial)

- Descendant of Indian Gaur
- Semi-domesticated
- Social animal; live in herds
- Called ‘Cattle of Mountain’ and ‘Ship of the Highland’
- Prefer cold and mild climates
- Not classified as milch in livestock census (but gives milk)
- Sacred for Nyishi, Apatani, Mishmi, Adi and Galo tribes of
Arunachal
- In India: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram
- State Animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
- National Research Centre on Mithun in Dimapur (Nagaland): under ICAR
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
51. Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhur or Khur or Indian Onager)

- In India: only in Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Little
Rann of Kutch (largest sanctuary in India)
- Lives in sandy and saline areas
- Fastest Indian animal
- Threats: Prosopis juliflora, grazing by Maldharis
52. Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass or Khyang or Gorkhar)

- Largest of wild asses
- Never been domesticated
- Live in herds
- Native to Tibetan Plateau
- In India, found only in Ladakh (Changthang WS, etc.)
53. Double-Humped Camel (Bactrian / Mongolian Camel)

- Native of Gobi Desert
- Found in India only in Nubra Valley, Ladakh
- Indian Army uses it to patrol in Ladakh
- In late winter when pastures scanty, humps collapse

- Thick Coat protects them in winter and falls away when temperature rises
- Can withstand wide variations of temperature
- Has high disease resistance
- Very high feed conversion efficiency
54. Kharai Camel (Swimming Camel or Dariya Taaru)

- Grazes on mangroves
- Can swim in sea water
- Can live in both coastal and dry ecosystems
- Fakirani Jats (handlers) and Rabaris (owners) breed
the camel
- Can be domesticated
- Found only in Kutch area of Gujarat
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
55. Pangolin
- Most trafficked mammal in the world
- 2 of 8 species found in India: Chinese Pangolin and Indian Pangolin (Thick-
tailed Pangolin)
- Anteaters
- Covered with keratin scales (used in traditional medicine)
- Toothless
- Nocturnal
- World Pangolin Day: to raise awareness
- Madhya Pradesh radio-tagged Indian Pangolin for 1st time
Indian Pangolin Chinese Pangolin

Has terminal scale No terminal scale
Widely distributed except in arid,
In Himalayan foothills
high Himalayan and NE region
IUCN: Endangered IUCN: Critically Endangered
WPA: Schedule I WPA: Schedule I
56. Red Panda (Fire Fox)

- Only living member of genus Ailurus
- Arboreal mammal
- Carnivores by descent; eats mostly bamboo
- Mark territories with urine
- Countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China
- In India: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, WB

(Darjeeling only)
- Arunachal: largest population in India
- State Animal of Sikkim
- Singalila NP, West Bengal: Breeding Centre
- Both Chinese Red Panda and Indian Red Panda found in India
- Siang River: boundary b/w distribution of the two in India
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
57. Turtles vs Tortoise

- India has 5 species of sea turtles:
a) Olive Ridley
b) Leatherback
c) Green: Endangered
d) Hawksbill: Critically Endangered
e) Loggerhead: Vulnerable
- Terrapins: in b/w the two; live both on land and in
water
58. Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle

- Largest of 7 species of sea turtles on Earth
- No bony shell
- Can maintain high body temp. using metabolically generated heat
(endothermy)
- Found in all oceans except Arctic and Antarctic
- Nesting areas mostly in tropics
- Little Andaman: nesting site
- Galathea Bay of Great Nicobar Island: iconic nesting site
- In Indian Ocean, nest only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and A&N
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
59. Olive Ridley Turtle (Pacific Ridley Turtle)

- Smallest and most abundant sea turtle in the world
- Carnivorous
- Use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate
- Found in warm tropical waters of Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Ocean
(circumtropical distribution)
- Arribada: unique mass nesting
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha: largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley
in the world + part of Bhitarkanika National Park
- 3 river mouths in Odisha for nesting: Rushikulya, Devi, Dhamra

- Coringa WS, Andhra: nesting site
- Project Olivia: Protection program by Indian Coast Guard
- Odisha: mandatory for trawls to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Listed in CMS
60. Northern River Terrapin (Batagur Baska)

- Lives in brackish water
- Native to South East Asia
- In India, found in parts of WB and Odisha (Sundarbans)
- Captive Breeding Programme: by Sunderban TR and Turtle Survival Alliance
(TSA) at Sajnakhali WS, Sunderbans (WB)
- 2016: Pilot Reintroduction Programme in India and Bangladesh
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
61. Gangetic Dolphin (Susu or Soon)

- Only live in freshwater (prefer deep waters)
- Blind
- Hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds (Echolocation)
- Found in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of
Nepal, India and Bangladesh
- Granted non-human personhood status in 2017
- Annual Dolphin Survey by WWF-India
- Dolphin Conservation Programme: by WWF-India
- Project Dolphin: launched by MoEFCC in 2020
- Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary
- Official Animal of Guwahati
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix II
62. Indus River Dolphin (Bhulan)

- Functionally blind (sensing only direction and levels of light)
- Live in freshwater (prefer muddy waters)
- Found in: Indus (Pakistan) and Beas
- Aquatic Animal of Punjab
- IUCN: Endangered

63. Irrawady Dolphin
- Also called Snubfin Dolphin
- Lives in brackish water and estuaries
- Sacred to Khmer and Lao people
- Only dolphin species in South East Asia with no beak
- Can spit water from their mouth
- Found in: Irrawady (Myanmar), Mahakam (Indonesian
Borneo), Mekong (China), Ganga, Chilika Lake,
Sunderban NP
- Highest single lagoon population in Chilika Lake
- Dolphin Census: in Odisha by Chilika Development
Authority (CDA)
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Both Appendix I and Appendix II
64. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

- Live in shallow, coastal waters
- Live in groups
- Found in Indian Ocean
- Found in Chilika Lake and Gahirmatha WS
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
65. Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin

- Found in shallow coastal waters of Indian Ocean,
South East Asia & Australia
- Found in Chilika Lake
- CMS: Appendix II
66. Whale Shark

- Largest fish currently alive
- Not mammal
- Filter feeder shark: do not eat meat; feed on tiny planktons by filtering
seawater
- Found in all tropical oceans
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- Whale Shark Campaign: started by WTI in 2004 among Gujarat fishermen

67. Dugong / Sea Cow
- Only existing herbivorous marine mammal
- Graze on sea grass
- Found in tropical and subtropical oceans and
inland waters
- In India: Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, A&N
Islands
- India has signed non-binding MoU with CMS for
Dugong conservation
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
68. Gharial (Odisha (Kendrapara) has all three species of crocodiles)

- Freshwater species
- Stays near water, sandy river banks
- Fish-eating
- Adult males have large bulb at the tip of snout called ‘ghara’
- Found only in India and Nepal
- Indian sites:
a) National Chambal Sanctuary (Chambal river has largest population)
b) Katarniaghat WS (River Girwa – originates in Nepal)
c) Corbett (Ramganga)
d) Hastinapur WS (Upper Ganga)
e) Valmiki TR (Gandak)
f) Satkosia (Mahanadi)
g) River Son
- Breeding Centres:
a) Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre (Lucknow)
b) National Chambal Sanctuary (Gharial Eco Park, MP)
- Gharials bred first time in captivity in Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneshwar
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
69. Mugger Crocodile

- Also called Indian Crocodile or Marsh Crocodile
- Restricted to Indian subcontinent
- Found mainly in freshwater (sometimes in saltwater lagoons and estuaries)
- Egg-laying and hole-nesting species
- Extinct in Bhutan and Myanmar
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I

70. Saltwater Crocodile
- Largest crocodile species
- Saltwater species
- Maneater
- Indian sites: Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Sunderbans (WB), A&N Islands
- Baula Project at Dangmal: conservation project at Bhitarkanika
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
71. Himalayan Brown Bear (Himalayan Red Bear or Isabelline Bear)

- Omnivorous
- Favourite habitat: buransh tree (State Flower of Himachal)
- Hibernate in dens in winter
- Prefer open valleys and pastures
- Found in high altitude Himalayas
- Endemic to India
- State: J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
72. Sloth Bear

- Native to Indian subcontinent
- In India, Nepal, Sri Lank and Bhutan
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
73. Indian Giant Squirrel (Malabar Giant Squirrel)

- Local Names: Vishal Gilahari, Malai-anil, Kendalilu, Malayannan, Shekru
- Arboreal: spend most of their life in canopy of trees
- Solitary animals
- Endemic to India
- Found in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and
Satpura range
- State Animal of Maharashtra
- WPA: Schedule II

74. Malayan Black Giant Squirrel
- Locally called ‘kebung’
- Found in Asia, with 8.5 % range in India
- Found in North East India
- One of the largest squirrels in the world
- Considered a forest health indicator species
- WPA: Schedule I
75. Grizzled Giant Squirrel

- Depend on riverine vegetation
- Two rivers – Chinar and Pamban – preferred
- Found in Western Ghats in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and
Kerala
- Grizzled Squirrel WS/Srivilliputhur WS: in Tamil Nadu
- WPA: Schedule I
76. Binturong (Bearcat)

- World’s largest civet
- Lives in trees and comes out only at night
- Marks territory with scent like buttered popcorn
- Prehensile tail acts as fifth limb; helps it to climb trees
- Important distributor of strangler fig
- Found in North East (Manas NP) and Buxa TR (WB)
- IUCN: Vulnerable
77. Hoolock Gibbon

- Only ape found in India
- Diurnal + Arboreal + Vegetarian + Monogamous
- Mark their territories
- Native to Bangladesh, India, China
- In India: found in all north-east states between
Brahmaputra and Dibang
- Only Western Hoolock Gibbon found in India
- Famous Sanctuary: Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary,
Assam
- IUCN (Western): Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I

78. Lion-Tailed Macaque (Wanderoo or Singalika)
- Also called Bearded Monkeys
- Arboreal: rarely comes on ground
- Primarily fruit eaters
- Special cheek pouches to carry food
- Live in rainforests
- Endemic to Western Ghats
- Silent Valley NP, Kerala: largest population here
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
79. Gee’s Golden Langur (Leaf Monkey)

- Arboreal and herbivorous
- Fur changes colour according to seasons
- Found in India and Bhutan
- India: small portion of Assam bounded by rivers
Brahmaputra, Manas, Sankosh
- Sites:
a) Manas WS
b) Chakrashila WS
- Mascot of BTAD
- Conservation Breeding Project at Assam State Zoo by CZA
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
80. Phayre’s Leaf Langur

- Also called Chashma Bandar
- Confined to Assam, Mizoram and Tripura
- Sites:
a) Sepahijala WS, Tripura
b) Trishna WS, Tripura
c) Gumti WS, Tripura
- State Animal of Tripura
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
81. Nilgiri Langur (Hooded Leaf Monkey or Black Leaf

Monkey or John’s Langur)
- Exceptionally long tails
- Vocalisation plays a major role

- Found in Nilgiri Hills (next to Mudahalli Elephant Corridor)
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
82. Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten (Kharza or Chuthraul)

- Omnivore
- Both terrestrial and arboreal
- Excellent hunter
- Native to Asia
- State: Arunachal, Manipur, Assam, Uttarakhand (Jim Corbett) and WB (Buxa)
83. Nilgiri Marten (Local: Mara Naai)

- Only marten species native to South India
- Prefers high altitudes
- Found in Nilgiri hills and Western Ghats
- States: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule II
84. Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Oriental Small-Clawed Otter)

- Semi-aquatic animal
- Smallest otter species in the world
- Lives in riverine habitats, freshwater wetlands and mangroves
- Native to South and South East Asia
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
85. Malabar Large-spotted Civet

- Nocturnal
- Prefer to be alone
- Endemic to Western Ghats (South India has all 4 civets found in India)
- Locals rear for civetone: an extract from scent gland for medicine and aroma
- WPA: Schedule I
86. Pygmy Hog

- Only species of genus Porcula
- Smallest wild pig
- Indicative species of tall wet grasslands

- One of few mammals who construct their own home complete with a roof
- Restricted only to Assam in India
- Sites:
a) Manas NP
b) Orang NP
c) Barnadi WS
d) Sonai Rupai WS
- Largest population: Orang NP
- Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme: by Durrel Trust, IUCN, Assam Govt.
and MoEFCC in 1995
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
87. Hispid Hare (Assam Rabbit or Bristly Rabbit)

- Slow-moving and do not construct burrows
- Live in grasslands
- Found along southern foothills of Himalayas in India,
Bangladesh, Nepal
- Sites in India:
a) Dudhwa
b) Jaldapara
c) Manas
d) Barnadi WS, Assam
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
88. Bat
- Meghalaya: Maximum bat species in India (66)
89. Snakes in India

- Sind Krait: snake with most potent venom in India
- Romulus' Krait: new species discovered in India; named after Snake Man of
India, Romulus Whittaker
- India's Big 4 Snakes: Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's Viper, Saw-
scaled Viper
90. King Cobra

- Different from Indian Cobra
- Only snake that makes nest
- Preys on other snakes
- Presence indicates good health of ecosystem
- Venomous so floats on water

- Found in Western Ghats, Odisha, Assam, WB and Tarai (recently
Uttarakhand)
91. Critically Endangered Rats (All nocturnal)

- Andaman White-toothed Shrew: Endemic to South Andaman Island in India
(Mount Harriet NP)
- Jenkin’s Andaman Spiny Shrew: Endemic to South Andaman Island in India
(Wright Myo and Mount Harriet NP)
- Nicobar White-Tailed Shrew: Endemic to Great Nicobar Island in India
92. Narcondam Shrew

- White-toothed Shrew discovered on Narcondam Volcanic Island at A&N
93. Elvira Rat (Large Rock Rat)

- Endemic to Eastern Ghats (Salem, TN)
94. Vultures
- 9 species in India
- 90% population lost due to diclofenac
- Important role as scavengers: natural ecosystem engineers
- Conservation Breeding Programs at Pinjore and Buxa
- No vultures in Australia and Antarctica
- Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-2025) by MoEFCC
a) UP, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka, TN: additional conservations and
breeding centre
b) Four rescue centres: Pinjore, Guwahati, Bhopal, Hyderabad
c) Vulture Safe Zones in every state
d) Conservation Breeding Programs for Red-Headed and Egyptian Vulture
e) Regulating sale of NSAIDS
f) Nationwide Vulture Survey once every 4 years
g) Database on threats
h) Safe Drugs Initiative with DGCI
Vulture IUCN Status Picture
Indian Long Billed Vulture Critically Endangered

Slender Billed Vulture Critically Endangered
White Rumped Vulture Critically Endangered
Red Headed Vulture Critically Endangered
Egyptian Vulture Endangered
Himalayan Vulture Near Threatened

Bearded Vulture Near Threatened
Cinerous Vulture Near Threatened
Eurasian Griffon Least Concern
95. Indian Skimmer (Indian Scissor Bill)

- Longer lower mandible
- Partially migratory
- More widespread in winter
- Feeds on surface-dwelling fish by skimming over water
- Emits nasal kap or kip notes in flights and when disturbed
- Found in shallow waters in estuaries and coasts
- Intolerant to polluted water
- Indigenous to Indian subcontinent
- India only place where it breeds
- Nesting colonies on Mahanadi, Chambal, Ganga, Son, Beas
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha a spot
- Good population in National Chambal Sanctuary
- IUCN: Vulnerable

96. Jerdon’s Courser (Double-Banded Courser)
- Nocturnal
- Ground dwelling
- Inhabits open dry scrubland (flagship species)
- Found only in Sri Lankamalleswara WS, Andhra (Eastern
Ghats)
- 1988: Indian Postal Service released stamp to
commemorate rediscovery in 1986
- Species Conservation Plan: in 2010 by Andhra Govt.,
BNHS and Royal Society for Protection of Birds (UK)
97. White-bellied Heron (Imperial Heron)

- Solitary
- Non-migratory
- Inhabits undisturbed riversides and wetlands
- Second largest heron after Goliath Heron
- Found in Bhutan, Indian and Myanmar
- In India:
a) Namdapha TR (Arunachal): only breeding site
outside Bhutan
b) Jamjing Reserve Forest (Assam)
c) spotted in Kamlang TR
- WPA: Schedule I
98. Himalayan Quail (Mountain Quail or Slate-Coloured Patridge)

- Reluctant to fly and largely walk
- Not spotted since 1876
- Was found in India (Uttarakhand) and Nepal
- Mission Himalayan Quail: by Uttarakhand Govt. in 2013
- IUCN: Critically Endangered (possibly Extinct)
- WPA: Schedule I
99. Sociable Lapwing (Sociable Plover or Peewit)

- Winter migrant in India
- Inhabits fallow fields and scrub deserts (steppes)
- Found in Central Asia, Middle East and Arabian
Peninsula
- In India, restricted to north and north-west (Gujarat,
Rajasthan)
- IUCN: Critically Endangered (CR A3bc)

100. Spoon-billed Sandpiper
- Has a spatulate bill
- Found in coastal areas
- Breeds in Russia and migrates to South and SE Asia
- Winters in India (Coasts of WB, Odisha, TN, Kerala -
Chilika Lake, Sunderbans)
101. Bugun Liocichla

- Named after tribe Bugun
- Discovered in Eaglenest WS, Arunachal in 1995
- Found only in Arunachal Pradesh
102. Forest Owlet

- Inhabits teak forests
- Special feature: Diurnal
- Has its own genus
- Endemic to Central India
- States: MP, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
- Sites:
a) Melaghat TR (Maharashtra): maximum
b) Purna WS (Gujarat)
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
103. Edible Nest Swiftlet (White-Nest Swiftlet)

- White nest made by male with solidified saliva (nest is
called ‘white gold’)
- Use echolocation to navigate in dark caves
- Found in South East Asia
- In India, found in Andaman
- WPA: Schedule I
104. Nicobar Megapode (Nicobar Scubfowl)

- Found only in Nicobar Islands
- Builds nest with soil and vegetation, and eggs hatch due to
heat of decomposition
- Newly hatched chicks are immediately independent
- Believed to sing when dark
- IUCN: Vulnerable

105. Pink Headed Duck
- Extinct in India since 1950
- Once found in Gangetic plains, Bangladesh and swamps
in Myanmar
- Non-migratory
- Eggs nearly spherical
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix II
106. Mandarin Duck

- Extremely manoeuvrable flier, able to fly through trees
- Males are more beautiful and colourful
- Significant in Buddhism
- Inhabit temperate forests near wetlands
- Natural resting habitat: tree holes
- Native to East Asia
- Spotted in Maguri Motapung Beel, Assam
- Rarely visits India - not in its usual migratory route
107. White-Winged Wood Duck (Deo Hanh or Spirit Duck)

- Only feeds at night
- Found in South Asia and South East Asia
- In India, only found in Assam and Arunachal
- Sites:
a) Nameri NP, Assam: considered last sanctuary
b) Dibru-Saikhowa NP, Assam
c) Dehing-Patkai WS, Arunachal
d) Namdapha NP, Arunachal
- Project Deo Hanh: by Assam Govt. and WTI in 2018
- State Bird of Assam
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
108. Baer’s Pochard

- Diving duck
- Freshwater species
- Breeds in Russia and China
- Migrate to India
- CITES: Appendix I

109. Great Indian Bustard
- One of the heaviest flying birds
- Flagship grassland species
- Avoids irrigated lands
- Confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat; also in
AP, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Largest population in Desert NP (Jaisalmer and
Barmer), Thar Desert
- State Bird of Rajasthan
- Project Godawan: Rajasthan Govt.
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
110. Bengal Florican (Bengal Bustard)

- Inhabits open tall grasslands of Ganga and Brahmaputra
- Native to Indian subcontinent, Cambodia and Vietnam
- States: UP, WB, Assam, Arunachal
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix I
111. Lesser Florican (Likh or Kharmore)

- Smallest bustard
- Best known for leaping breeding displays by males
- Found only in India
- Found in tall grasslands
- Highest density: Blackbuck NP, Velavadar, Gujarat
- IUCN: Endangered
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
112. Black-necked Crane

- Considered 6th Dalai Lama by Monpas of Arunachal
- Breeds in high altitude wetlands and winters in lower
altitudes
- Found in India, China and Bhutan
- In India:
a) Ladakh: breeding site (Changthang WS, etc.)
b) Arunachal: wintering site (Santi Valley,
Zemithang, Chug Valley)
c) Recently found in Assam
- State Bird of UT of J&K

- WWF-India conserving it as priority species in Ladakh and Arunachal
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
113. Sarus Crane

- Tallest flying bird in the world
- Non-Migratory
- India’s only resident breeding crane
- Social creature: in pairs or groups
- Largest flock: Keoladeo NP
- Habitat: Natural wetlands, marshes, agri fields
- Found in Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia, Australia
- State Bird of UP
- Sarus Crane Conservation Project: in UP since 2013
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule IV
114. Siberian Crane (Snow Crane)

- Breeds in Arctic Tundra and Russia, and migrates to
Asia especially China
- Earlier wintered in India (Keoladeo NP, Rajasthan)
- MoU signed under CMS for its conservation
115. Great Indian Hornbill

- Largest of all 9 species of hornbills in India
- Frugivorous
- Help in dispersing seeds of tropical trees
- Sacred among tribals of Nagaland and Nyishis of Arunachal
- Hunted for casques (upper beak) and feather for headgears
- State Bird of Arunachal and Kerala
- Hornbill Festival: in Nagaland
- In India, found in Western Ghats and North East
- Found in Indian subcontinent and South East Asia
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- WPA: Schedule I
- CITES Appendix I

116. Amur Falcon
- World’s longest travelling raptors
- Name from Amur River (border b/w Russia and China)
- Feeds on dragonflies
- In India, found in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam
- Nagaland: Amur Falcon capital of the world
- Doyang Lake, Nagaland: stopover for Amur Falcons
- Amur Falcon Festival: in Nagaland
117. Asian Paradise Flycatcher

- Male has a trailer
- State Bird of Madhya Pradesh
- Called dudhraj in Hindi
118. Kingfisher
- 60 species in world
- 12 in India
- White throated kingfisher: state bird of WB
119. Himalayan Monal

- Also called Danfe
- State Bird of Uttarakhand
- National Bird of Nepal
- Range: India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, Burma
- India: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal
Pradesh
120. Sparrow
- State Bird of Delhi
- Rise of Sparrow: project launched in 2012 to save it
121. Indian Roller

- Also called Neelkanth
- State Bird of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Karnataka
122. Wooly-necked Storks

- Native to India
- Status: Vulnerable
- Large water birds, mostly found in forest wetlands
123. Cuckoo
- brooding parasites

- winter migrants in India
124. Red Breasted Goose

- Most threatened goose species of world
125. Brooding Parasites: Cuckoo, Crow

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ANIMALS

2. One Horned Rhino:

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

4. Asiatic Lion (Persian Lion / Indian Lion)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

African Cheetah Asiatic Cheetah

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

10. Fishing Cat

11. Caracal (Desert Lynx)

12. Rusty Spotted Cat

13. Marbled Cat

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

15. Indian Desert Cat (Asiatic Wild Cat)

16. Leopard Cat

17. Golden Cat

18. Pallas’ Cat

19. Striped Hyena

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

21. Himalayan Wolf (Tibetan Wolf)

22. Bengal Fox (Indian Fox)

23. Indian Desert Fox (White-footed Fox)

24. Dhole (Asian Wild Dog or Red Dog)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

25. Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

26. Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)

27. Chital (Spotted Deer / Axis Deer)

28. Barasingha (Swamp Deer)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

31. Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)

32. Himalayan Musk Deer (White-Bellied Musk Deer)

33. Indian Hog Deer (Western Hog Deer)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

35. Nilgai (Blue Bull)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

37. Bharal (Himalayan Blue Sheep or Naur or Na or Nabo)

38. Urial (Shapu or Arkar)

39. Tibetan Argali (Nyan or Mountain Sheep)

40. Himalayan Serow (Jingal or Yemu)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

42. Himalayan Tahr

43. Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)

44. Pashmina Goat (Changthangi or Changra)

45. Mishmi Takin (Gnu Goat or Goat Antelope)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

47. Punganur Cow

48. Wild Water Buffalo (Asian Buffalo)

49. Indian Bison (Gaur)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

50. Mithun (Gayal or Sial)

51. Indian Wild Ass (Ghudkhur or Khur or Indian Onager)

52. Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass or Khyang or Gorkhar)

53. Double-Humped Camel (Bactrian / Mongolian Camel)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

54. Kharai Camel (Swimming Camel or Dariya Taaru)

Indian Pangolin Chinese Pangolin

56. Red Panda (Fire Fox)

NAMAN KUMAR SINGLA (AIR 47 CSE 2021)

57. Turtles vs Tortoise

58. Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle