What is the state animal of Uttarakhand?

The state animal of Uttarakhand is the Alpine Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster).

The Alpine Musk Deer is found in the high-altitude forests and alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, especially in regions like Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and other Himalayan landscapes. Its shy and secretive nature makes spotting it in the wild very rare.

This deer is known for producing musk, a substance found in males that has been historically valued in perfumes and traditional medicines. Sadly, this demand led to heavy hunting, pushing the species towards endangerment.

Uttarakhand, known as the “Devbhumi” (Land of the Gods), chose the musk deer as its state animal because it reflects the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the need to protect rare species that are an integral part of its biodiversity.

The deer is now a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, and conservation programs in Uttarakhand aim to safeguard it from poaching and habitat loss.