Capital

New Delhi

Official Language(s)

Hindi & English

Fun Fact

Boasts the largest vegetarian population in the world, making up roughly 39% of its people

National Animal

Royal Bengal Tiger

National Bird

Indian Peafowl

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Animal Laws of India

The Animal Laws of India PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for India. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of India

Indian Peafowl

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Indian Peafowl is a large, colorful bird native to the forests, grasslands, and farmland of the Indian subcontinent. Males are famous for their brilliant blue plumage and spectacular iridescent tail feathers, which they fan out during courtship displays. Indian Peafowl feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles, making them important members of their ecosystems. Their striking appearance has made them one of the world's most recognizable birds.

Bengal Tiger

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Bengal Tiger is the largest tiger subspecies and is found in the forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps of the Indian subcontinent. Recognized by its striking orange coat with bold black stripes, it is a powerful solitary predator that hunts deer, wild boar, and other large mammals. As an apex predator, the Bengal Tiger plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten its survival.

Dhole

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Dhole, also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog, is a highly social carnivore found in the forests, grasslands, and mountains of South and Southeast Asia. Recognized by its reddish coat, bushy tail, and rounded ears, it lives and hunts in cooperative packs. Dholes prey on deer, wild pigs, and other medium-sized mammals, relying on teamwork and endurance to capture food. Habitat loss, declining prey populations, and disease have made this remarkable predator endangered.

Chital

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Chital, also known as the Spotted Deer, is a graceful deer found in the forests and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. It is recognized by its reddish-brown coat covered with white spots and the impressive antlers of males. Chitals feed on grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers and often live in large herds. They are an important prey species for predators such as tigers, leopards, and dholes.

Lion-Tailed Macaque

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Lion-tailed Macaque is an endangered primate found only in the rainforests of the Western Ghats. It is recognized by its black fur, silver-white mane, and tufted tail that resembles a lion's. Living high in the forest canopy, it feeds on fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation have made this unique monkey one of India's most threatened primates.

Gaur

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Gaur is the largest wild cattle species in the world, found in the forests and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its massive build, dark brown coat, and distinctive white "stocking" legs. Gaurs feed mainly on grasses, leaves, and shrubs and often live in small herds. Despite their size, they are agile animals and play an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.