Assam GK Topic

Which Rare And Endangered Species Are Found In Assam And Where Can They Be Seen?

Assam is one of India's most biologically rich states and a globally significant biodiversity hotspot. The state is home to a remarkable range of rare, endangered, and critically endangered plant and animal species, supported by its vast network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. According to IUCN classifications and regional biodiversity records, Assam hosts threatened species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Which Rare And Endangered Species Are Found In Assam And Where Can They Be Seen? illustration

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Detailed Notes

Threatened Plant Species in Assam

Assam has recorded species from all major IUCN threatened categories. Several plant species have already disappeared from the wild, while hundreds face the risk of extinction due to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change.

Extinct or Extinct in the Wild Plant Species of Assam include:

  • Bambusa mastersii

  • Cleisostoma arietinum

  • Cyperus corymbosus

  • Dendrobium assamicum

  • Dendrobium aurantiacum

  • Hetaeria anomala

  • Liparis stachyurus

  • Sapria himalayana

  • Paphiopedilum spicerianum (reported extinct in the wild)

Apart from these, Assam has:

  • 284 critically endangered plant species

  • 149 endangered species

  • 58 vulnerable species

  • 13 near threatened species

These plants play a vital role in forest ecosystems and traditional medicinal systems, making conservation essential.

Rare and Endangered Mammals of Assam

Assam is globally famous for protecting some of the world's most endangered mammals. Its grasslands, riverine forests, and wetlands support flagship species critical to global conservation.

  • Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros: Kaziranga National Park holds over two-thirds of the world's population.


  • Bengal Tiger: Found in Kaziranga and Manas National Park with one of the highest densities in India.


  • Asian Elephant: Large breeding populations thrive across Assam's forests.


  • Wild Water Buffalo: A globally threatened species protected in Kaziranga and Manas.


  • Golden Langur (Gee's Golden Langur): Endemic to western Assam and Bhutan, seen in Manas and Umananda Island.


  • Hoolock Gibbon: India's only ape, mainly found in Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.


  • Pygmy Hog: The world's smallest wild pig, found only in Assam, primarily in Manas National Park.


  • Hispid Hare (Assam Rabbit): A rare grassland species seen in Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary.


  • Clouded Leopard: A secretive and rare big cat found in Manas forests.


  • Chinese Pangolin: Extremely rare and threatened by illegal wildlife trade.


Endangered Birds of Assam

Assam also protects several of India's rarest bird species, many dependent on wetlands and grasslands.

  • Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila): Conserved through community efforts like the Hargila Army.


  • White-bellied Heron: One of the rarest herons in the world, found in Northeast India.


  • Bengal Florican: Critically endangered grassland bird, seen in Manas National Park.


  • Rufous-necked Hornbill: Found in Manas and forested regions of Northeast India.


  • White-winged Duck: Found in Nameri National Park and forest wetlands.


Endangered Reptiles of Assam

  • Assam Roofed Turtle: Found in Kaziranga wetlands and the Diphlu River.


  • Three-keeled Asian Turtle: A threatened freshwater turtle found across Assam's wetlands.


Major Conservation Areas in Assam

Assam's conservation success is supported by protected areas such as:

Community-based conservation initiatives and strict protection laws continue to play a vital role in preserving Assam's endangered species.

Quick Info Table on Rare and endangered species are found in Assam

CategoryDetails
StateAssam
Biodiversity StatusGlobal Hotspot
Famous Endangered SpeciesOne-Horned Rhino, Tiger, Golden Langur
Major ParksKaziranga, Manas, Nameri
Rare MammalsPygmy Hog, Hoolock Gibbon
Rare BirdsBengal Florican, White-bellied Heron
Endangered ReptilesAssam Roofed Turtle
Conservation FocusHabitat protection & community involvement


FAQs on Rare and endangered species are found in Assam

1. Which endangered animal is most famous in Assam?

The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is the most famous endangered animal found in Assam.

2. Where can one see the Golden Langur in Assam?

Golden Langurs are mainly found in Manas National Park and Umananda Island.

3. Is the Pygmy Hog found only in Assam?

Yes, the Pygmy Hog is found only in Assam and is critically endangered.

4. Which national park in Assam has the highest wildlife diversity?

Kaziranga National Park has one of the richest wildlife diversities in Assam.

5. What is the rarest bird found in Assam?

The White-bellied Heron is among the rarest birds found in Assam.

6. Which is the only ape found in India?

The Hoolock Gibbon, found in Assam, is the only ape species in India.

7. Are there endangered reptiles in Assam?

Yes, species like the Assam Roofed Turtle and Three-keeled Asian Turtle are endangered.

8. What threatens wildlife in Assam the most?

Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict are major threats.

9. Which park is best for spotting wild water buffalo?

Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are best for seeing wild water buffalo.

10. Why is Assam important for wildlife conservation?

Assam supports globally endangered species and plays a key role in biodiversity conservation in India.