India’s rich biodiversity has been a source of admiration and ecological balance for centuries. However, the nation has also witnessed the tragic loss of several species across different habitats, primarily due to human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting, and environmental pollution.
Recognizing these lost species is not merely an exercise in nostalgia but a cautionary tale that underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining wildlife.
This section lists 12 animals that have become extinct in India, exploring the causes of their extinction and reminding us of our responsibility to prevent similar losses in the future.
List of Extinct Animals in India
1. Indian Aurochs
The Indian Aurochs, a species of wild cattle, once roamed freely across the plains of India. Overhunting by humans, combined with loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion, led to its eventual demise. The last known specimen was believed to have been sighted in the early 1600s.
Efforts to save similar species are crucial in maintaining ecological balance and diversity.
2. Pink-headed Duck
Once found in parts of eastern India, the Pink-headed Duck is now believed to be extinct. The destruction of its natural habitat, particularly the wetlands and its nesting sites, played a significant role in its disappearance.
Sightings have been rare and unconfirmed since the 1950s, despite several organized searches.
It’s essential to protect and restore wetland habitats to conserve other waterfowl species.
3. Javan Rhino
The Javan Rhino once thrived in northeastern India but intense poaching for its horn, believed to have medicinal properties, led to its extinction in this region. Habitat destruction for agricultural purposes further squeezed the remaining population into smaller, unsustainable patches.
The last Javan Rhino in India was sighted in the early 20th century. Preventing illegal wildlife trade is critical in saving the remaining rhino species globally.
4. Sumatran Rhino
Similar to the Javan Rhino, the Sumatran Rhino suffered heavy losses due to poaching and habitat loss. This rhino species was once present in the dense forests of Assam and the eastern Himalayas. Their numbers dwindled swiftly as their horns were highly coveted commodities on the black market.
By the 1950s, the Sumatran Rhino was declared extinct in India.
Enhanced anti-poaching efforts and international cooperation are necessary to protect what remains of their population in other parts of Asia.
5. Indian Cheetah
The Indian Cheetah, a distinct subspecies, was once a common sight in the grasslands of India. Excessive hunting for sport and skin, coupled with encroachment of their habitats by human settlements, led to a steep decline in their numbers. The last confirmed sighting was reported in 1947.
Active conservation programs and habitat restoration are essential to ensure that similar fates do not befall other carnivorous species.
6. Lesser Bilby
The Lesser Bilby, or the yallara, was an inhabitant of the desert areas of Rajasthan. It fell victim to non-native predators introduced accidentally into its environment, combined with habitat degradation due to human activity.
Though primarily found in Australia, it’s believed the species also occupied parts of western India where it became extinct by the mid-20th century.
Invasive species control and monitoring are vital components of conserving native wildlife populations.
7. Asiatic Cheetah
While closely related to the Iranian Cheetah, the Asiatic Cheetah had a wider range in India before it faced extinction due to hunting and habitat loss.
This species faced immense pressure as their natural prey dwindled and their roaming grounds were converted into agricultural lands.
The last recorded Asiatic Cheetah in India was shot in 1947.
Protecting natural habitats and implementing stricter wildlife laws are crucial steps toward conservation.
8. Malabar Civet
The Malabar Civet, native to the Western Ghats of India, is presumed extinct in the wild, with no confirmed sightings since the mid-20th century.
Habitat destruction and hunting for its musk were the primary drivers behind its decline. This species is an example of how exotic pet trade and poaching can decimate wildlife populations.
Conservation efforts must prioritize legal protection and rehabilitation of endangered species’ habitats.
9. Passenger Pigeon
Originally found in large numbers even in parts of northern India, the Passenger Pigeon faced extinction due to massive over-hunting and habitat destruction.
Known for their vast flock sizes, their numbers dwindled rapidly in the 19th century as they were hunted extensively for meat.
Legislative action to protect remaining bird species and their habitats is urgently needed to prevent further losses.
10. Stegodon
The Stegodon, a cousin of modern elephants, once roamed throughout Asia, including parts of India. Their extinction can be attributed largely to climate changes and human interference.
These large mammals required extensive habitats, which were fragmented as human populations expanded.
Preserving large contiguous habitats is essential for the survival of current elephant populations and other large mammals.
11. Great Indian Bustard
While not entirely extinct, the Great Indian Bustard is critically endangered, with few left in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Ongoing conservation efforts are critical to prevent this majestic bird from becoming extinct. Habitat encroachment and illegal hunting continue to pose severe threats.
National parks and protected areas are vital for the survival of this and other species, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection and funding.
12. Himalayan Quail
Another bird species that might still exist but is currently classified as critically endangered or possibly extinct is the Himalayan Quail. Last officially recorded in the late 19th century, habitat destruction and hunting decimated their populations.
With no confirmed sightings in decades, it highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring avian habitats.
Continued bird monitoring and conservation are crucial in verifying the status of such species and implementing protective measures.
Conclusion
As described, each of these prehistoric animals in India represents a cautionary tale of the impact of human activity on biodiversity.
Let this be a sobering reminder of the urgent need for conservation to secure a diverse and balanced ecosystem. It’s imperative that conservation be taken as a social responsibility and prioritized in public policy to prevent future extinctions.