Question

National animal of India is
A. Lion
B. Tiger
C. Antelope
D. Peacock

Answer 1

Hint: The modern Republic of India has several official national symbols including a flag, an emblem, an anthem, a song, an animal, a bird, and several symbols. The national animal is a symbol of grace, strength, agility, and enormous power.

Complete answer:
The national animal of India is ‘Tiger'.
- The tiger (Panthera tigris) belongs to the genus Panthera. It is the largest cat species known on this planet.
- The Tiger is considered as the National Animal of India because it symbolizes the power, strength, elegance, grace, alertness, intelligence, and endurance of the nation.
- Its habitat is widespread and can be seen throughout the country except in the north-western region.
- It occupies a large variety of habitats ranging from dry green jungles, humid evergreen forests to mangrove swampy areas.
- Tigers are carnivorous animals and generally hunt for food at night.
- Each tiger has a unique pattern on its fur which is helpful in its identification.
- Today, only five subspecies of tiger are found, these are Bengal tiger, South China tiger, Indochinese tiger, Sumatran tiger, and a Siberian tiger. The extinct species of the tiger are Caspian, Bali, and Javan.

So, the correct answer is 'Tiger'.

Note: Till 1972, Lion was the national animal of India. Later on, it was replaced by the Tiger. Sadly, with increased poaching and devastation of forests, their number is declining. The tiger is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List