State Animals of India

• The Royal Bengal Tiger is the National Animal of India. The scientific name of this animal is Panthera Tigris.
• It was conferred the status in April 1973. 
• According to the IUCN Red List, the tiger is listed as an endangered animal.
• There is an abrupt fall in the population of tigers due to poaching, hunting, and illegal smuggling of Tiger Skin, and other body parts.
• To conserve the Tiger, the Indian Government launched Project Tiger in 1973.

State Animal of Jammu and Kashmir

• The state animal of Jammu and Kashmir is the Kashmir stag, also known as the Hangul.
• The Kashmir stag is a subspecies of red deer that is found only in the Dachigam National Park and the surrounding areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Kashmir stag faces several threats, including poaching, hunting, predation, habitat fragmentation, overgrazing by domestic livestock, illegal wildlife trade, interspecific competition, etc.
• According to IUCN red book hangul falls in the category of critically endangered species.

State Animal of Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh

• The snow leopard has been declared the state animal of the Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh.
• The snow leopard (Panther unica) is listed as “vulnerable” according to the IUCN Red Book report.
• They are found in J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. And their current population is at 450-500.
• The Government of India has identified the snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayas. It has developed a Project Snow Leopard to conserve the species and habitats.

State Animal of Punjab, Haryana & Andhra Pradesh

• The state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh is known as the blackbuck.
• The blackbuck can be found in open woodlands, semi-desert environments, and thorny or dry deciduous forests. They are commonly found in regions with grassland and open woods.
• Due to illegal hunting, heavy poaching, and habitat loss, the blackbuck, native to the Indian subcontinent, is listed as an endangered species.
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• CITES: Appendix III

State Animal of Uttarakhand

• The Musk deer is the state animal of Uttarakhand.
• This deer kind mostly lives in alpine scrub and forested areas, mainly in the mountains of southern Asian areas, especially in the Himalayas.
• These deer somewhat resemble small deer in their hind legs, which are longer than their front legs, with a stocky build. They are about 90 cm in length, around 60 cm in height, and weigh between 8 and 17 kgs.
• It has a brown coat with yellow and black spots. This deer does not have horns, but the males have a little tail. 
• Musk deer largely can be seen in Himalayan states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• It inhabits high alpine environments above altitudes of 2,500 m.
• IUCN Status: Endangered.

 State Animal of Gujarat

• The Asiatic Lion (also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion) is a member of the Panthera Leo subspecies that is restricted to India.
• Its previous habitats consisted of West Asia and the Middle East before it became extinct in these regions.
• Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions.
• The most striking morphological character, which is always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, is a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly
• Asiatic lions were once distributed to the state of West Bengal in east and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, in central India.
• At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lion.
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I

State Animal of Rajasthan

• Camel (genus Camelus) is the state animal of Rajasthan. It is one of the huge-hoofed animals native to dry Africa and Asia. They are known for their capacity to go for long periods without drinking water.
• The camel, also called the “ship of the desert”, has long been a pack or saddle animal. People also use their milk, meat, wool, and hide. 
• Another adaptation of a camel is to sweat less. The body is insulated by a woolly coat, which reduces heat gain and sweating. The camel can also allow its body temperature to increase to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) before sweating.
• They are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

• Another state animal of Rajasthan is the Chinkara. 
• The Chinkara is a type of gazelle found in southern Asia. Their summer coat is a reddish-buff colour with smooth, glossy fur, and in the winter, their coat lightens and turns virtually white. 
• Their crimson colouration helps them to hide from predators in the grassland. From the corner of the eye to the nose, they have dark stripes bordered by white stripes on the sides of their face.
• Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are all home to the Chinkara. Plains and hills, deserts, dry bush and light forests are where they live. In India, they can be found in over 80 protected areas.
• It has been listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List

State Animal of Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh

Swamp Deer

Scientifically known as Rucervus duvacelii, this deer can be found in the forests of Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh . It went extinct in Bangladesh and Pakistan and is now exclusively found in northern and eastern India.

Swamp Deer: There are three subspecies of swamp deer found in the Indian Subcontinent.

• The western swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) is found in Nepal.
• Southern swamp deer/Hard Ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) found in central and north India.
• Eastern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii ranjitsinhi) found in the Kaziranga Assam) and Dudhwa National Parks (Uttar Pradesh).

Protection Status of Swamp Deer:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

State Animal of Bihar & Goa

• The state animal of Bihar and Goa is the Gaur also known as the Indian bison. It was declared as the state animal of Bihar in 2017. The Gaur is a large and powerful wild ox that is found in various parts of India, including the forests of Bihar.
• Gaur is a massive animal, with males standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing as much as 1,500 kg. Females are slightly smaller, weighing around 700-800 kg. Both males and females have short, thick, and curved horns that are used for self-defence and territorial displays.
• The Gaur is primarily found in forested areas and grasslands in India, Southeast Asia, and some parts of the Himalayas. In India, the Gaur is found in many states, including Bihar,Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• The Gaur is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting.

State Animal of Maharashtra

• Maharashtra’s state animal is the Indian giant squirrel. The Indian giant squirrel’s habits and habitat include mixed deciduous and moist evergreen forests, as well as tropical and rainforests. The state animals of Maharashtra are arboreal, spending the majority of their hours during the day and night on trees. 
• The Indian giant squirrel weighs between 1.5 and 2.5kg. 
• The length of the head to the body is approximately 25 cm to 45 cm. 
• The tail length varies between 20 cm and 40 cm. 
• The body colour ranges from deep red to brown, with white furs on the belly. 
• The forelegs and underparts are typically cream or dirty white. 
• An Indian Giant Squirrel’s ears are round and short. The cheeks, chest, underpants are cream, white, or orange. The eyes are either bright dark brown or light brown, while the lips and nose are pink. They have very long hair surrounding the mouth and behind the nose. They have a powerful, long tail, and the colour ranges from creamy white to light brown at the tip. During the breeding season, males are actively engaged in competing for females, and pairs can stay together for extended periods. They are naturally shy and wary.
• Indian giant squirrels are classified as Least Concern (LC), but their numbers are decreasing today

State Animal of Karnataka, Kerala & Jharkhand

• The state animal of Karnataka is the Indian Elephant. The Indian Elephant is one of the three recognized subspecies of the Asian Elephant and is native to the Indian subcontinent, including the forests and grasslands of Karnataka, Kerala and jharkhand
• Appearance: The Indian Elephant is the largest land animal in Asia and is characterized by its large, sturdy body, long trunk, and two long, curved tusks in males. Adult males, known as bulls, are generally larger than females, known as cows. The Indian Elephant has gray to brownish-gray skin and large, fan-like ears that help dissipate heat.
• Habitat: Indian Elephants are adaptable to various habitats, but they are predominantly found in forests, grasslands, and swamps. In Karnataka, they are commonly found in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected reserves, such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park, and Bannerghatta Biological Park.
• Conservation Status: The Indian Elephant is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for ivory

State Animal of Tamil Nadu

Nilgiri Tahr: The species is locally known as Varaiaadu.

IUCN Status: It has been listed as an endangered species and is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.

Habitat and Distribution:

• The animal inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600 metres above sea level. 
• Historically, the Nilgiri Tahr was known to inhabit a large portion of the Western Ghats. 
• But today it remains restricted to a few scattered patches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.

Estimates: It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild.

State Animal of Odisha

• The sambar deer is the state animal of Odisha. These deer are dark or light brown and have a slightly yellowish or greyish tinge.
• Sambar deer are known for their coat and antlers that are rugged. They also have a unique stout that adds to their appeal. They have a long tail for a deer, which is white underneath and black on top. They have strong and long legs, which are a dark brown above, and the inner parts are pale in comparison.
• It has been classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2008 due to factors like heavy hunting, local insurrection, and industrial habitat exploitation.

State Animal of Chhattisgarh

• The State Animal of Chhattisgarh is the Wild Buffalo. The Wild Buffalo is a large bovine species that belongs to the Bovidae family and is closely related to domesticated water buffalo.
• Appearance: The Wild Buffalo is characterized by its sturdy build, with a large, heavy body covered in dark gray or black hair. It has a relatively long and curved set of horns, which can be a distinguishing feature. Adult males are usually larger and more robust than females.
• Habitat: Wild Buffaloes prefer to inhabit areas with dense and marshy grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests. They are known for their adaptation to aquatic environments and are often found near rivers, swamps, and lakes.
• Conservation Status: The Wild Buffalo is an endangered species in India, including Chhattisgarh. Its population has declined due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve the remaining population of Wild Buffaloes in various parts of the country, including Chhattisgarh.

State Animal of Telangana

• Spotted Deer (Chital) is the State Animal of Telangana. Telangana is a land rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is adorned with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Among its remarkable wildlife, the state takes immense pride in its state animal, the elegant and graceful Spotted Deer.
• Spotted Deer are primarily found in forests, grasslands, and open woodlands. In Telangana, they are commonly spotted in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• The Spotted Deer holds significant ecological importance as an indicator species. Their presence in the forests indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem. While they are not currently listed as a threatened species, conservation efforts are vital to ensure their long-term survival.

State Animal of West Bengal

• The state animal of West Bengal is the Fishing Cat. The Fishing Cat is a medium-sized wildcat that is found primarily in South and Southeast Asia, including in the state of West Bengal. It is a skilled swimmer and is known for its ability to catch fish, hence the name “Fishing Cat.”
• The Fishing Cat is an endangered species and is under threat due to habitat loss and hunting. It is listed on Schedule I of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The state government of West Bengal has taken measures to protect the Fishing Cat, including creating protected areas such as the Sundarbans, where the cat can live and hunt in safety.

State Animal of Sikkim

• There are only two different panda species in the world, the Giant Pandas and the Red Pandas.
• It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
• Red Pandas are shy, solitary and arboreal animals and considered an indicator species for ecological change.
• India is home to both the (sub) species:
  • Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
  • Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)
• Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh splits the two phylogenetic species.
• It is found in the forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan and the northern mountains of Myanmar and southern China.
• The number of Red Pandas has been declining in the wild, even in the Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks, the two protected areas where the endangered mammal is found in the wild in West Bengal.
• Protection Status:
  • Red Pandas:
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • Giant Pandas:
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I

State Animal of Assam

• The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found only in the Brahmaputra valley, parts of North Bengal, and parts of southern Nepal.
•  It has a single black horn that can grow up to 60 cm, and a tough, grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives the animal its characteristic armour-plated look.
•  The Indian rhino is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. The WWF says the “recovery of the greater one-horned rhino is among the greatest conservation success stories in Asia”.
  According to the WWF, there are around 3,700 Indian rhinos in the wild today.
• Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) alone has 2,613 animals, according to a census carried out in March 2022. There are more than 250 other rhinos in the Orang, Pobitora, and Manas parks. 

State Animal of Meghalaya

Clouded Leopard:

• Named after cloud shaped pattern on its skin.
• It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• It is the State animal of Meghalaya.
• It has been added to India’s Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species to aid more research and strengthen conservation efforts.

Habitat:

• Clouded Leopard prefers grassland, shrubs, subtropical and dense tropical forest up to a height of 7,000 feet occurring from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia into China.
• In India, it occurs in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya subtropical forests, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

State Animal of Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland

• Mithun (Bos frontalis) is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland  as it has religious significance in the state along with socio-cultural importance among the tribal people. It was declared the state animal in 1987.
• The ethnic groups of Adi, Mishmi, and Nyishi living in Arunachal Pradesh are of the belief that possession of a Mithun is a sign of prosperity and wealth and implies the social superiority of an individual.
• They are usually allowed to move freely in the jungle and are used only in ceremonial rituals and festivals where they are sacrificed as offerings and for feasts.
• The Mithun population is highest in Arunachal Pradesh. IUCN status – Vulnerable.

State Animal of Mizoram

Himalayan Serows:

• Himalayan Serows are medium-sized mammals with a large head, thick neck, short limbs, long, mule-like ears, and a coat of dark hair.
• Himalayan serows are herbivores animals.
• They are extremely shy animal and its sighting is possible only when it migrate to lower elevations.
• They are typically found at altitudes between 6,500 to 13,000 feet i.e. 2000m to 4000m.
• Eastern, Central, and Western Himalayas inhabit the Himalayan Serow, but not the Trans Himalayan region.
• The Trans-Himalayas Mountain Region is located to the north of the Great Himalayas. It is also called Tibet Himalayan Region. It consists of Kailash, Ladakh, Zaskar and Karakoram mountain ranges.
• The Himalayan Serow is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List.

State Animal of Manipur

• The sangai is an endemic and endangered subspecies of Eld’s deer found only in Manipur, India. It is also the state animal of Manipur.
• Its common English name is Manipur brow-antlered deer or Eld’s deer and the scientific name is Rucervus eldii eldii.
• Its original natural habitat is the floating marshy grasslands of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southern parts of the Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in eastern India.
• It is listed as ‘Endangered’ in IUCN Red List and Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Once distributed throughout the Manipur State, Sangai is now restricted to the 40 sq km area park and is numbered less than 100 adult individuals in the wild making it vulnerable to extinction. 

State Animal of Tripura

• Thephayre’s langur is a medium-sized primate that is found in Southeast Asia, including northeastern India. It has distinctive markings around its eyes, which resemble spectacles, giving it its common name. The langur has a dark gray or black fur coat, with a white belly and long tail.
• The species is arboreal, spending most of its time in trees and feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
• The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 
• Phayre Langur is the state animal of Tripura.

Related Links

Project Cheetah	Project Elephant
Rashtriya Gokul Mission	Project Tiger