Study Guides/General Knowledge/National Animal of India — Bengal Tiger
Study Guide · General Knowledge

What is the National Animal of India?

The national animal of India is the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). It was declared the national animal of India in 1973, replacing the lion. The Bengal Tiger is known for its strength, grace, and agility, and is a symbol of India's rich wildlife heritage. India launched Project Tiger in 1973 to protect this endangered species.

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What is the national animal of India?

Answer

The national animal of India is the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). It was declared the national animal in 1973, replacing the Asiatic Lion. The same year, Project Tiger was launched by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to protect the tiger. India now has over 3,000 tigers across 53 reserves — more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population.

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Key Facts

National animal of India: Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

Declared national animal in 1973, replacing the lion.

Project Tiger launched: 1 April 1973 by PM Indira Gandhi.

India has 53 tiger reserves (2023) and 3,000+ tigers — 70% of world's wild tigers.

First tiger reserve: Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.

Tiger with highest density: Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh.

IUCN Status of Bengal Tiger: Endangered.

Bengal Tiger — India's National Animal

National Animal: Bengal Tiger Scientific name: Panthera tigris tigris Declared national animal: 1973

Why Tiger Replaced Lion: • The lion was India's national animal before 1973 • In 1969, the Wildlife Board of India decided to change it to the tiger because the lion population was dangerously low (confined mainly to Gir Forest, Gujarat) • The tiger was more widely distributed across India and in need of urgent conservation • In 1973, Project Tiger was launched and the Bengal Tiger was officially declared the national animal

Project Tiger: • Launched: 1 April 1973 • Launched by: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi • Initial tiger reserves: 9 reserves in 1973 • Governing body: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) • Purpose: Conservation of Bengal Tiger and its habitat • Current status: India has 53 tiger reserves (as of 2023) • India has about 3,000+ tigers (2022 census) — more than 70% of the world's wild tigers

Key Tiger Reserves in India:

  1. Jim Corbett National Park — Uttarakhand (first national park in India, 1936; first Project Tiger reserve, 1973)
  2. Ranthambore — Rajasthan
  3. Sundarbans — West Bengal (mangrove tiger habitat)
  4. Bandhavgarh — Madhya Pradesh (highest tiger density)
  5. Kanha — Madhya Pradesh
  6. Tadoba — Maharashtra
  7. Kaziranga — Assam (also has rhinoceros)
  8. Nagarhole — Karnataka
  9. Mudumalai — Tamil Nadu
  10. Panna — Madhya Pradesh

Bengal Tiger Facts: • Bengal tigers can weigh up to 300 kg (males) • Solitary and territorial • Night hunter; carnivore (deer, wild boar, gaur) • IUCN Status: Endangered • Main threats: habitat loss, poaching for skin and bones • The Bengal Tiger appears on India's national emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka also appears — do not confuse)

Note on the Indian Lion: • The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat • It is the state animal of Gujarat • The Asiatic Lion was removed from the list of national animal in 1973 when tiger was declared

Questions and Answers

What is the national animal of India?+

The national animal of India is the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). It was declared the national animal in 1973, replacing the Asiatic Lion. The same year, Project Tiger was launched by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to protect the tiger. India now has over 3,000 tigers across 53 reserves — more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population.

Why was Project Tiger launched?+

Project Tiger was launched on 1 April 1973 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi because the Bengal Tiger was facing extinction due to habitat loss and hunting. The project established protected tiger reserves and has been highly successful — India's tiger population has grown from about 1,827 (1973) to over 3,000 (2022 census). India now has 53 tiger reserves.

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