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State Animals in India: India is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, and boasts a remarkable array of flora and fauna. One fascinating aspect of this diversity is the designation of state animals. These state animals represent the unique wildlife heritage of each Indian state. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to what state animals are, provide a list of state names and their designated animals, and shed light on some state animals that are sadly facing the threat of extinction.
What are the State Animals of India?
State animals are specific animal species chosen to represent individual states or union territories within a country. These selections are often based on the species’ cultural, historical, ecological, or symbolic significance to the region. State animals serve as important symbols of a state’s identity and commitment to wildlife conservation.
What is the National Animal in India?
The national animal in India is the Bengal Tiger. The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was officially declared as the national animal of India in 1972, primarily due to its cultural and ecological significance in the country. Tigers hold a special place in Indian culture and are revered as symbols of strength and grace. They are also a flagship species for wildlife conservation efforts in India, as their preservation helps protect the diverse ecosystems they inhabit.
List of State Animals in India
State animals are specific animal species chosen to represent individual states or regions within a country. The selection of state animals is a way to recognize and celebrate the unique wildlife heritage of each region, and it often reflects the values and priorities of the state with regard to preserving its natural environment and biodiversity. State animals are typically protected by law, and their conservation is a matter of importance for the state.
In India, each state and union territory has its own designated state animal that symbolizes its unique wildlife and conservation efforts. These state animals serve as a source of pride and are often associated with the cultural and ecological identity of the region.
State animals, along with state birds, state trees, and other state symbols, help raise awareness about the importance of preserving the natural world and the need for conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats.
State-wise List of Animals in India
Here’s a list of the state animals of each Indian state:
| State Name | State Animal |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Blackbuck |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Gayal |
| Assam | Indian Rhinoceros |
| Bihar | Gaur (Indian Bison) |
| Chhattisgarh | Wild Buffalo |
| Goa | Gaur (Indian Bison) |
| Gujarat | Asiatic Lion |
| Haryana | Blackbuck |
| Himachal Pradesh | Snow Leopard |
| Jharkhand | Indian Elephant |
| Karnataka | Indian Elephant |
| Kerala | Indian Elephant |
| Madhya Pradesh | Barasingha (Swamp Deer) |
| Maharashtra | Indian Giant Squirrel |
| Manipur | Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer) |
| Meghalaya | Clouded Leopard |
| Mizoram | Serow |
| Nagaland | Mithun |
| Odisha | Sambar Deer |
| Punjab | Blackbuck |
| Rajasthan | Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) |
| Sikkim | Red Panda |
| Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri Tahr |
| Telangana | Spotted Deer |
| Tripura | Phayre’s Langur |
| Uttar Pradesh | Swamp Deer |
| Uttarakhand | Musk Deer |
| West Bengal | Fishing Cat |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Dugong |
| Chandigarh | Indian Grey Mongoose |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Giant Squirrel |
| Delhi | Nilgai (Blue Bull) |
| Lakshadweep | Butterfly Fish |
| Puducherry | Indian Giant Squirrel |
Union territories Animals List
Here’s a list of the state animals for the union territories of India:
| Union Territory | State Animal |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Dugong |
| Chandigarh | Indian Grey Mongoose |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Giant Squirrel |
| Delhi | Nilgai (Blue Bull) |
| Lakshadweep | Butterfly Fish |
| Puducherry | Indian Giant Squirrel |
State Animals Facing Extinction
Several state animals in India are facing the threat of extinction due to various factors, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Here are a few state animals that are currently at risk:
Indian Rhinoceros (Assam): The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, is found in Assam. Despite conservation efforts, poaching for its horn and habitat loss continue to threaten its population.
Snow Leopard (Himachal Pradesh): The elusive snow leopard is endangered due to habitat loss, retaliatory killings by herders, and illegal wildlife trade.
Sangai (Manipur): The Sangai, or Brow-antlered Deer, is a rare and unique species found in Manipur. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, along with human disturbance, are serious threats to its survival.
Clouded Leopard (Meghalaya): Clouded leopards face threats from poaching and habitat destruction in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.
Red Panda (Sikkim): The red panda’s population is declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. It is found in the state of Sikkim.
Nilgiri Tahr (Tamil Nadu): Nilgiri tahrs are endangered primarily due to habitat degradation and fragmentation in their native Nilgiri Hills habitat.
Musk Deer (Uttarakhand): Musk deer populations are threatened by poaching for their musk pods, which are used in traditional medicine.
Efforts are being made by governments, wildlife organizations, and local communities to conserve these iconic species and protect their habitats. Conservation initiatives, such as the establishment of protected areas and anti-poaching measures, are crucial to ensuring the survival of these state animals for future generations.
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Conclusion
India’s state animals reflect the nation’s commitment to preserving its unique wildlife heritage. By learning about these iconic species and supporting conservation efforts, we can contribute to the protection of these magnificent creatures and the biodiversity they represent.
State Animals in India – FAQ’s
What is the state animal of AP?
The state animal of Andhra Pradesh is the blackbuck.
Which is the national animal of India?
The national animal of India is the Bengal tiger.
Which is Maharashtra state animal?
In Maharashtra, the state animal is the Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar giant squirrel.
Which state animal is elephant?
The elephant is the state animal of Kerala.
Which Indian state has have blackbuck as its state animal?
The Indian state that has the blackbuck as its state animal is Andhra Pradesh.
