Vulnerable Species In India That Need Our Attention

Vulnerable species are those that are likely to become endangered. Sadly, these are the species we don’t know about and we don’t talk enough about. It’s important to know that these are the species that can still be saved. The list is not exhaustive, but definitely surprising.



The Barasingha or the swamp deer is a breed that feeds itself on grasses or aquatic plants. These are mainly spotted at the Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh. A few of them are still surviving in Assam and Uttar Pradesh, but are extinct in the state of West Bengal.



Blackbuck is a special species of antelope and is considered the most graceful of them all. This animal is the state animal of Punjab, but due to a number of cases of poaching and habitat loss, their population is declining. They are usually found in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Punjab and Haryana.

Nilgiri Langur

Nilgiri Langure

The Nilgiri langur is a lutang, or an old world monkey as they call it. It is mainly found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The uniqueness of this animal are its two distinct furs. The black glossy fur on the body, and a light golden fur on its head. Due to deforestation and shooting, we don’t see too many of them.



Yaks are usually found in hilly terrain and in India, mainly around the Himalayas. The uncontrolled hunting by the natives and military personnel are sighted as the prime reason for the decline in the population of this specie.

One Horned Rhinoceros


The one horned rhinoceros is also known as the great Indian rhinoceros. These are mainly found in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, but have gone down in number due to excessive hunting and agricultural development.

Olive Ridley Turtle

Olive ridley turtle

The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and the most abundant species of turtles in the world. Yet, they are vulnerable. However, these turtles face major threats during the course of their migratory route. The reasons are fishing activities, development and exploitation of nesting beaches.

Red Panda

Red Panda

Red panda, also known as the Red Fox, are beautiful creatures. In India, they are found mainly in the north-eastern states. You’ll find them jumping around bamboo and hollow trees. Interestingly, Red Pandas are also kept as pets in India and Nepal. Sadly, this beautiful specie is reducing in number due to inbreeding depression, habitat loss and fragmentation.

Sloth Bear

Sloth bear

The Sloth Bear is tamable specie, found mainly in the mountains. In India, they are spotted in the Himalayan region. They are also used as performing pets by some people. However, they have become vulnerable due to shelter loss and poaching.

Marbled cat

marbled cat

The marbled cat is a little one and is usually spotted in the Himalayan foothills. It is considered vulnerable since 2002. These are species that exist in low densities. Deforestation is another reason for the reduction in the population of marbled cats.

Red Goral

Red Goral

The Red Gorals are so rare that most people don’t even know about them. These animal species are found in India, China and Myanmar. In fact, they are most common in the areas where India, Myanmar and China meet. This lesser known animal is facing threat due to hunting and habitat disturbance.

Indian Cobra

Indian cobra

The Indian cobra or the King cobra is native to the Indian subcontinent and is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is usually found in dense forests, rocky terrain and wet lands. The king cobra has decimated in number due to loss of habitat and over use for medicinal purposes.