More at http://www.sanctuaryasia.com | Report
More at http://www.sanctuaryasia.com | Natural HistoryThese are by no means all the ‘at risk’ birds and mammals in the country. There are some others that are teetering on
the brink of extinction such as the White-rumped Vulture, the Bengal Florican, the pygmy hog and some shrews and rats.
In some cases, we already have a viable conservation programme for these animals, and in others, the species is more
widespread in other countries and conservation eff orts should bring greater and quicker results there. Their survival in India,
however, is no less critical and India’s other endangered life forms can be the subject of a follow-up paper.
In summary, we seem to be moving towards a time when our footprint will inevitably push more and more animals to the
brink. It all seems to be building up, and the next couple of decades could see some of the animals on this list moving
up the extinction ladder and new ones will most likely be added to the list. It will only mirror a global trend of human
overconsumption and greed, which is already inexorably pushing a fragile world around us to the brink. It is just that we have
more to lose than many others, and what is sad is that we are pushing our luck without any apparent care in the world.
Crown jewels are a quick and easy source of wealth, there is no getting them back once they are sold to meet
today’s greed!- Some images are artists impressions and the sole responsibility of the author. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
- The © International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is the source of risk information and they
are acknowledged. - Some images are based on drawings/photographs available in the Public Domain, via Internet Archive.
Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard is a monotypic species endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Amongst the
heaviest of all fl ying birds, this species was once widespread across the subcontinent’s arid plains.
Today, they may number less than 100 birds and the count is dropping every year. It would seem that
the population may have gone below the tipping point and extinction is a matter of time unless there is
a miracle. And a miracle is much required because this bird is far more important than the Asian cheetah
that we lost. This is no subspecies of a well-established animal. If this unique bird goes, with it will go a
great gift of evolution. And we, in India and Pakistan, would be solely responsible for that colossal loss.
Scientifi c name: Ardeotis nigriceps
Range: Previously widespread across most of the dry western plains of the Indian subcontinent but now
restricted to small breeding patches in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India and Sind in Pakistan
Conservation status: Critically Endangered. Extinction predicted by 2030
Last count: 125 (2015). Most likely below 100 currently
Cause of decline: Hunting, habitat loss and degradation and other anthropogenic factors
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desh,how precious the hangul is in the context of global species level conservation. However, for our country, this stag is precious,
as just over 100 or so animals remain and it would take very little to tip the balance against them. So while
the IUCN and other authorities try and decide whether the hangul is after all a subspecies of the Tarim
red deer or just a Kashmiri wapiti, we cannot hang our clothes to dry and hope that the world decides
that it is worthy of concerted conservation eff ort. It is our animal, and we know the facts. We
need to act because time is running out for this grand animal. Fortunately in recent days, eff ective
steps, including the removal of a huge sheep farm from within Dachigam, gives us reason to hope.
Conservationists in Kashmir are now working to secure the pastures in Upper Dachigam so vital to
the survival of the hangul, which also happens to be J&K’s state animal.
Scientifi c name: Cervus canadensis hanglu / Cervus elaphus hanglu
Range: In and around Dachigam National Park, Kashmir
Conservation status: Critically Endangered at species level
Last count: 186? (2015)
Cause of decline: Hunting and habitat loss
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