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Wildlife in India
India's rich and abundant animal
life is attributed to it's diverse climate and geography. There are 372
species of mammals in India, some of which include the majestic elephant, the
Indian bison (gaur), rhinoceros, wild Himalayan sheep, nilgai, and
the swamp deer. The most superb examples of cats in India are the tiger
and the lion, but there are other types as well, the clouded leopard, snow
leopard and the marbled cat are a few others found. Several species of
monkeys reside in India as well.
A few of the 1,228 bird species
found in India include peacocks, parrots, kingfishers, parakeets, cranes, mynahs,
pheasants, ducks, geese and hornbills. Crocodiles and gharials are two of
the 446 reptile species found. Since crocodiles were threatened with
extinction, India has implemented a plan that has successfully increased their
numbers. Other reptiles to be found are the cobra, krait, saltwater snake
and python.
With the expansion and growth, as
well as natural disasters, occurring in India, the fauna is suffering. Possible
extinction is a possibility for over 77 mammals, 72 bird species, 17 reptile
species, 3 amphibian species, and large amount of butterflies, moths, and
beetles, as they are considered to be endangered.
The natural
wealth of the Indian subcontinent has remained
unique, mysterious and fascinating for nature
lovers. In Indian philosophy, life in any form
is deemed sacred and it is advocated that
compassion for all living creatures is
essential. The worship of nature in all its
different forms is an essential part of our
cultural legacy. The tree has held a vital place
in religious tradition, symbolizing the myth of
creation. The Agni Purana reveals that the
conservation rite becomes a soul-saving deed and
that trees are objects of respect.
The rich and
fascinating variety of India's wildlife can be
seen in the 80 national parks, 440 sanctuaries
and 23 tiger reserves established by the
Government of India in an attempt to conserve
this vital resource. More than 500 species of
mammals, 1, 220 species of birds, 1, 600 species
of reptiles and amphibians, and 57, 000 species
of insects populate the subcontinent. India
harbors 60% of the world's wild tiger
population, 50% of Asian elephants, 80% of the
one-horned rhinoceros and the entire remaining
population of the Asiatic lion.
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