Northeast India’s Endangered Wildlife
WhatsApp Channel
Join Now
Whenever a conversation breaks about wildlife in India, the Northeast is considered a biological treasure trove. It is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world. This region has some of the rarest and most threatened species in the world. The fact of the matter is this region covers just a meagre 8% of India’s total land area yet harbors an astonishing 60% of our country’s endangered species.
Diverse topography – dense tropical forests, snow-capped mountains, and wetlands – besides giving beauty to the region, provide refuge to a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. It forms part of the Indo-Burma global biodiversity hotspot and contains two Endemic Bird Areas. But the alarming rate of habitat destruction, poaching, pollution and other threats puts the future of this biodiversity hotspot at grave risk.
Concentration of Endangered Species
The statistics paint a grim picture:
54% of India’s threatened mammals are found in the Northeast.
68% of the country’s endangered birds reside in this region.
63% of India’s vulnerable reptiles call Northeast India home.
Certain species have an even more distressing presence in the region. Of the 11 ‘Critically Endangered’ mammals in India, seven are found here. Among India’s 57 ‘Vulnerable’ bird species, 42 are recorded in the Northeast. Similarly, of the 10 ‘Vulnerable’ reptile species, eight occur in this part of the country.
This disproportionate concentration of endangered species in a relatively small area underscores the region’s global importance for conservation.
Mammalian Status
| Critically Endangered | Endangered | Vulnerable |
|---|---|---|
| Pygmy Hog (mainly Manas NP) | Golden Langur (fragmented habitat in Assam and Bhutan) | Dhole (conflict with livestock) |
| Swamp Deer (mainly Kaziranga NP) | Hoolock Gibbon (vulnerable to fragmentation) | Himalayan Black Bear (poaching for bile) |
| Manipur Thamin (Keibul Lamjao NP) | Red Panda (threatened by habitat loss and hunting) | Sloth Bear (rare, easternmost limit) |
| Sumatran Rhinoceros (stragglers near Myanmar border) | Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros (heavy poaching for horn) | Clouded Leopard (facing habitat destruction) |
| Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Namdapha NP) | Snow Leopard (extremely rare) | Wild Buffalo (habitat encroached by human) |
| Moupin Pika (Sikkim) | Asian Elephant (habitat loss and poaching) | Otter (poaching for pelt) |
| Javan Rhinoceros (considered extinct) | Tiger (poaching outside protected areas) | Gaur (habitat loss and poaching) |
Avian Status
| Critically Endangered | Endangered | Vulnerable |
|---|---|---|
| Pink-headed Duck (likely extinct) | White-bellied Heron (very small numbers) | Spot-billed Pelican |
| Indian White-backed Vulture | Oriental White Stork (extremely rare wintering species) | Lesser Adjutant |
| Slender-billed Vulture (drastic decline due to Diclofenac) | Greater Adjutant-Stork (threatened by nesting site destruction in urban areas) | Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant |
| White-winged Duck (specialised habitat loss) | Rufous-necked Hornbill | |
| Bengal Florican (grassland habitat loss) | ||
| Spotted Greenshank (rare winter visitor) |
Reptilian Status
| Endangered | Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| Gharial (critically low population) | Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (nearing extinction) |
| Various turtle species threatened by harvesting for food: | Various softshell and hard-shelled turtle species facing threats from hunting and habitat destruction: |
| – Chitra Turtle | – Gangetic Softshell |
| – Elongated Tortoise | – Peacock Softshell |
| – Three-striped Roofed Turtle | – Malayan Box Turtle |
| – Assam Roofed Terrapin | – Spotted Black Terrapin |
| – Asian Brown Tortoise | |
| – Keeled Box Turtle |
What’s Driving This Crisis?
The decline of these species can be attributed to several interconnected threats:
Habitat Loss: For most species the loss of their natural habitat is the main reason for the decline of the population. The forest cover in northeast India is disappearing at an alarming rate.
Habitat Fragmentation: Forests are being broken into smaller patches, severely impacting arboreal mammals like Hoolock Gibbons and flying squirrels.
Poaching: Species like the Rhino and Tiger are relentlessly targeted for their body parts for food, trade and traditional practices.
Human Encroachment: Expanding settlements and agriculture are shrinking critical wildlife habitats. Changes to specific habitat features, such as loss of nesting trees for Greater Adjutants or tree plantation in grasslands affecting Bengal Floricans.
Pollution: Contaminated water bodies are impacting bird and reptile population. Diclofenac use has led to catastrophic declines in vulture populations.
Conservation: A Responsibility We Cannot Ignore
Protecting Northeast India’s rich wildlife requires urgent and effective conservation efforts. Expanding the network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is one way to providing safe habitats for endangered species. Equally important is the better management of existing protected areas through stronger anti-poaching laws and stricter enforcement.
Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, such as promoting sustainable eco-tourism and environmental education programs, can foster a sense of responsibility and support for wildlife protection. Additionally, stricter measures are needed to combat illegal hunting and wildlife trade.
Restoring degraded habitats through afforestation and rehabilitation projects will help revive ecosystems and support biodiversity. Lastly, banning harmful toxic chemicals and enforcing strict regulations can prevent unintended harm to wildlife populations.
Northeast India is not just a biodiversity hotspot; it is a lifeline for some of the world’s most endangered species. If immediate and effective conservation measures are not taken, we risk losing these irreplaceable species forever. The need for action is urgent—protecting this region is not just an ecological duty but a moral obligation.
Telegram Channel
Join Now
