India’s wildlife heritage reflects its natural richness and cultural reverence toward animals. Every state and union territory has chosen a unique animal that represents its ecosystem, biodiversity, and traditional connection with nature — from the Bengal Tiger of West Bengal to the Elephant of Kerala, these species form an integral part of India’s ecological identity.
State-wise Animals of India
| State / UT | State Animal | Scientific Name | Year Declared | Special Fact |
| Andhra Pradesh | Blackbuck | Antilope cervicapra | 1956 | Symbol of grace and speed |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Mithun (Gayal) | Bos frontalis | 1987 | Domesticated bovine revered by tribes |
| Assam | One-Horned Rhinoceros | Rhinoceros unicornis | 1972 | Found in Kaziranga National Park |
| Bihar | Gaur (Indian Bison) | Bos gaurus | 1981 | India’s largest wild cattle species |
| Chhattisgarh | Wild Buffalo | Bubalus arnee | 2001 | Endangered species of central India |
| Goa | Gaur (Indian Bison) | Bos gaurus | 1980 | Common in Western Ghats forests |
| Gujarat | Asiatic Lion | Panthera leo persica | 1960 | Exclusive to Gir National Park |
| Haryana | Blackbuck | Antilope cervicapra | 1966 | Protected in Bhindawas Sanctuary |
| Himachal Pradesh | Snow Leopard | Panthera uncia | 1974 | Inhabits high-altitude Himalayas |
| Jharkhand | Elephant | Elephas maximus indicus | 2000 | Roams in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Karnataka | Elephant | Elephas maximus indicus | 1980 | Mysore Dasara elephants are famous |
| Kerala | Elephant | Elephas maximus indicus | 1985 | Highly revered in temples |
| Madhya Pradesh | Barasingha | Rucervus duvaucelii | 1981 | Known as “Swamp Deer” |
| Maharashtra | Giant Squirrel | Ratufa indica | 1970 | Large colorful squirrel found in forests |
| Manipur | Sangai (Brow-antlered Deer) | Rucervus eldii eldii | 1980 | Endemic to Loktak Lake |
| Meghalaya | Clouded Leopard | Neofelis nebulosa | 1972 | Elusive cat of dense forests |
| Mizoram | Serow | Capricornis sumatraensis thar | 1990 | Rare goat-antelope of hilly terrain |
| Nagaland | Mithun (Gayal) | Bos frontalis | 1992 | Cultural symbol of prosperity |
| Odisha | Sambar Deer | Rusa unicolor | 1970 | Commonly seen in forests of Odisha |
| Punjab | Blackbuck | Antilope cervicapra | 1966 | Symbol of purity and vitality |
| Rajasthan | Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) | Gazella bennettii | 1980 | Adapted to desert ecosystem |
| Sikkim | Red Panda | Ailurus fulgens | 1975 | Found in Himalayan forests |
| Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri Tahr | Nilgiritragus hylocrius | 1970 | Endemic to Western Ghats |
| Telangana | Spotted Deer | Axis axis | 2014 | Common in Nallamala forests |
| Tripura | Phayre’s Langur | Trachypithecus phayrei | 1972 | Rare leaf monkey species |
| Uttar Pradesh | Swamp Deer (Barasingha) | Rucervus duvaucelii | 1950 | Found in Dudhwa National Park |
| Uttarakhand | Musk Deer | Moschus chrysogaster | 2000 | Valued for its musk gland |
| West Bengal | Fishing Cat | Prionailurus viverrinus | 1974 | Found in Sundarbans wetlands |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Dugong (Sea Cow) | Dugong dugon | 1970 | Marine herbivore of island waters |
| Chandigarh | Indian Gray Mongoose | Herpestes edwardsii | 1985 | Found in open fields and gardens |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Indian Giant Squirrel | Ratufa indica | 1970 | Common in forested regions |
| Delhi (NCT) | Nilgai | Boselaphus tragocamelus | 1950 | Largest Asian antelope |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Hangul (Kashmir Stag) | Cervus hanglu hanglu | 1950 | Found in Dachigam National Park |
| Ladakh | Snow Leopard | Panthera uncia | 2019 | Adapted to cold desert ecosystem |
| Lakshadweep | Butterfly Fish | Chaetodon decussatus | 1970 | Symbol of marine biodiversity |
| Puducherry | Indian Palm Squirrel | Funambulus palmarum | 1970 | Commonly seen in coastal areas |
Highlights
- Elephant is the state animal for multiple southern states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
- Predators like Tiger, Lion, and Snow Leopard represent India’s powerful wildlife diversity.
- Unique regional species include Red Panda (Sikkim) and Mithun (Arunachal Pradesh).
- Ladakh and Himachal share the Snow Leopard as their cold-region symbol.
Conclusion
The state animals of India embody ecological balance and cultural respect. Each species is a guardian of its environment and a reminder of India’s rich biodiversity. Protecting them ensures harmony between humans and nature for generations to come.
