Indian Subcontinent

Gir Lion

The Gir lion used to range from Greece to eastern India but by 1940, it was decimated in all its former range except the Gir forest of India. There are only about 200 individuals living in the protected Gir forest presently.

Sloth Bear

Its habit of hanging upside down in trees and its long sickle-shaped claws resulted in it being wrongly classified as sloth. Later, it was known as bear sloth. Finally, this shaggy animal was renamed sloth bear when scientists subsequently discovered it is a bear after all.

Striped Hyena

The striped hyena is the only hyena species found in Asia. This is the least vocal of the hyenas and usually produces sounds only when it is fighting or soothing its young.

Barasingha

The barasingha is also known as the Indian swamp deer. The word "barasingha" means twelve points, which refers to the twelve or more tines (prongs or slender projecting parts that are pointed at the ends) found on each antler of this animal. It is highly endangered because of overhunting for its meat and antlers. Its alluvial grassland habitat is also being destroyed to give way to farms.