Two significant mammals, the Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), are considered to be totally extinct from India. These species, once native to the Indian subcontinent, no longer exist in the wild within its geographical boundaries.
Animals Extinct from India
While both these species may still exist in other parts of the world, they have vanished from the Indian landscape, highlighting significant losses to the region's biodiversity.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Status in India | Global Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acinonyx jubatus | Asiatic Cheetah | Extinct | Critically Endangered |
| Dicerorhinus sumatrensis | Sumatran Rhinoceros | Extinct | Critically Endangered |
The Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
The Asiatic Cheetah, commonly known as the Indian Cheetah, was a majestic predator that once roamed vast grasslands and semi-deserts across India. Its decline was primarily due to extensive hunting for sport and its fur, along with habitat loss and a decrease in its prey base. The last confirmed sightings in India were in the 1940s, and it was officially declared extinct from the country in 1952. While efforts are underway to reintroduce cheetahs (of African origin) to India, the indigenous Asiatic subspecies remains extinct within the country.
The Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
The Sumatran Rhinoceros, the smallest of the rhino species, once had a wider distribution, including parts of northeastern India. Known for its hairy body and two horns, this species faced severe threats from poaching for its horns and significant habitat destruction. Its shy and solitary nature made it particularly vulnerable. The exact timeline of its extinction from India is less precisely documented than the cheetah, but it vanished from the region decades ago, becoming another critical loss to India's natural heritage.
The disappearance of these iconic animals underscores the profound impact of human activities on wildlife and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect remaining endangered species worldwide.
