List of Ten Critically Endangered Species of Birds in India

The growth and evolution of the human population had a substantial negative impact on both flora and fauna. Numerous species of animals and birds have gone extinct. However, it is not entirely due to human evolution and other environmental factors and climate changes. That being said, it is not uncommon knowledge that there are numerous animals and birds endangered or on the verge of extinction worldwide. Along with that, there are several endangered birds in India. 

When we say endangered, there are different categories and criteria associated with such classification. Here, you will know about all of those details and a list of endangered species of birds in India.

What Makes a Species Categorised as “Endangered?”

According to the stat on the Red List of Threatened Species, over 37,400 species across the globe are currently categorised as “endangered.” These species are threatened with extinction. That being said, there must be a specific set of rules and criteria to classify species as endangered. Regional governments and local organisations have their system to decide if species in their region are endangered or vulnerable. 

(Image will be uploaded soon)

Image: Endangered Species 

International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, the designated council, maintains the list of endangered species worldwide. The commission has a specialised Red List of Threatened Species. This list contains the various endangered species across the world. 

These species are chosen through an in-depth scientific approach that includes five-set standards and various other considerations as well. As The IUCN defines it, endangered species are the species meeting any of the following criteria:

• A 50–70% population decrease in over ten years.

• A total geographical area that is less than 5,000 square kilometres(it can also be considered endangered when the local population area is less than 500 square kilometres).

• If the species has a population of fewer than 2,500 adults.

• If the species has a restricted population of only 250 adults or less.

• If the species is predicted to go extinct within the next 20 years through research and statistics.

Different Categories and Criteria for Species Endangerment and Extinction

Along with the criteria to be classified as endangered or threatened with extinction, the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria also ranks these species according to the levels of threat they face based on their assessment. This is a globally accepted, quickly, and widely understandable system to classify species at high risk of global extinction. 

As of recent updates, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed a total of 134,400 species all over the world for The Red List. Based on that, The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria classifies species into nine different categories, which are: 

1. Not Evaluated

2. Data Deficient

3. Least Concern

4. Near Threatened

5. Vulnerable

6. Endangered

7. Critically Endangered

8. Extinct in the Wild

9. Extinct

What are the General Reasons for Endangerment of Species? 

The above standards of the IUCN apply to all animals, birds, and plants all across the globe. There are various reasons that lead a species to the point of extinction or the stage of endangerment. Human intervention is one of the key reasons on this list. But along with that, here are a few reasons that may also cause the extinction and endangerment of animal and bird species. 

• Loss of habitat

• Global warming 

• A foreign species entering the environment

• Hunting

• Diseases

• Pollution 

• Loss of genetic variation 

• “Survival of the fittest” theory

As we will talk about endangered birds in India, we can take the example of a bird species to make the concept clearer to you. For instance, let us talk about the bird species known as the “Bald Eagle.” 

With the rise of urban development in North America and the consequent growth of the human population, the bird’s habitat became limited. Hunting the Eagles for sport gained popularity in the region, leading to a decrease in their population. The use of the DDT pesticide on farms also severely affected the bird’s reproductive capabilities. Eventually, the Bald Eagle was categorised as endangered in 1978.

List of Critically Endangered Species of Birds in India 

Coming to the discussion about endangered species of birds in India, there are quite a few that can be mentioned on the list. Although, in this section, we have compiled a list of ten endangered species of birds in India. As IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species states, out of the 28% of all species assessed by them, 37400 species are threatened with extinction. Amongst that number, over 14% are bird species. 

That being said, India comprises the majority of the Indian subcontinent. Quite naturally, it has a rich, vivid and versatile flora and fauna. Along with that, the topographical and climatic variations make it possible for various bird species to live in the country. This includes multiple indigenous and migratory birds as well. 

Although, there are quite a few endangered species of birds in India. This is due to reasons mentioned above and other local incidents like denudation of forests, poaching on eggs, and certain species being hunted for food. The Red List of India prepared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) has several endangered birds on the verge of extinction.

Know about the list of ten critically endangered species of birds in India. The list contains both migratory birds as well Indian birds that qualify on the list of endangered species of birds in India, based on recent assessments. 

Red Headed Vulture

Also known as the Indian Black Vulture or King Vulture, this is one species that belongs to the Old World vultures commonly seen in the Indian Subcontinent region. The use of Diclofenac in veterinary medicine has led to a drastic decline in its population in recent years. Indian Vulture White Rumped Vulture and the Slender-Billed Vulture also fall in the category of critically endangered species of birds in India.

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Image: Red Headed Vulture

Great Indian Bustard 

The Great Indian Bustard is considered one of the most endangered species of bird in India. It is also among the largest flying species of bird. The bird can weigh up to 15 kg and can reach a height of 1m. The species commonly prefer shrub, semi-arid grasslands, and tall grass or semi-desert regions. The species is only seen in India and some surrounding areas. Due to hunting activities and loss of habitat, it is now endangered. 

Baer’s Pochard

Another species of critically endangered birds, Baer’s Pochard, is another critically endangered bird species commonly sighted in India, Vietnam, and China. This species may be extinct soon due to rampant hunting activities and poaching of their eggs. Another important reason is the loss of habitat as they live in dense and marshy wetlands.

Forest Owlet

Wildlife conservation sources in India claim that only 25 to 30 pairs of these birds exist in India. These birds were already declared extinct until some researchers and ornithologists spotted a few of them in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra forests. 

Bengal Florican

This bird is also a type of bustard that is mainly seen in the North-Eastern part of the country. The IUCN Red List claims that only 500 Bengal Floricans still exist in the entire Asian region, including India. 

Siberian Crane

A famous migratory bird that used to flock to the Indian regions in the winter, arriving from Russia, is now considered one of the top names in the list of ten critically endangered species of birds in India. Massive hunting and loss of habitat have led to the disappearance of these beautiful snow-white feather-cladded cranes. 

Spoon Billed Sandpiper 

This bird has an outstanding bill that is shaped like a spatula. The bird has rapidly lost its habitat for living and breeding and is on the verge of extinction. 

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Image: Spoon Billed Sandpiper 

Sociable Lapwing

This golden-brown feathered bird species is a scarce species that is both indigenous and a migratory species in India. It lives in cooler grasslands. 

Jerdon’s Courser

Indigenous to the Andhra Pradesh region, this bird species was also considered extinct Indian until some Indian ornithologists spotted the bird in 1986. Loss of habitat is among the key reasons for its endangerment.

Pink Headed Duck

Commonly sighted in the plains of the Ganges, this bird is not just critically endangered, but there’s a debate if it still exists. It was last spotted in 1988, and ever since, it has not been sighted by researchers and ornithologists. 

Conservation of Endangered Species is of Utmost Importance

On an ending note, it must be mentioned that the list of endangered species of birds in India mentioned above consists of the birds that will soon be extinct and disappear from this planet. This is why we need to take proper conservation and protection measures to save these birds from extinction. Conservation measures are being taken to ensure the protection of the habitats of these birds and enable their breeding. It is rightly the only way to save these creatures on the list of ten critically endangered species of birds in India.