There are only 17 countries in the world that are classified as megadiverse countries, as they contain 70% of the world’s biodiversity. India is one of them, with just 2.4% of the Earth’s land, India supports 7-8% of global species. Alongside its rich cultural heritage, spiritual depth, and vibrant traditions, India boasts an incredible array of natural wonders and wildlife, from Himalayan alpine meadows to tropical rainforests, mangroves, deserts, and coastal wetlands.
However, data collection, policy implementation, and habitat restoration continue to present challenges. In an exclusive conversation, Vivek Menon, Executive Director of Wildlife Trust of India, shared insights on the country’s conservation landscape, highlighting both achievements and critical gaps.
He said that despite having institutions like the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Biodiversity Database of India (BDI), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Forest Research Institute (FRI), and Forest Survey of India (FSI), India’s wildlife data collection mechanisms remain outdated.
According to reports, “about 4,00,000 more species may exist in India which need to be recorded and described.” The report reflects that the baseline data on existing species and their macro and micro-habitats in the country are inadequate.
“These institutions are archaic, lack adequate funding, and sometimes get influenced by political realities during data analysis,” noted Menon. He further emphasized the need for privatization in data collection and analysis. “The IT sector has the resources and expertise in Big Data analytics, but it has been sparingly used in biodiversity studies. A greater role for private entities could revolutionize conservation efforts,” said Menon.
India is home to four of the 34 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots, making it one of the world’s most ecologically rich regions. These include the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region (Northeast India), and the Sundaland (Nicobar Islands). The Himalayas are a sanctuary for species such as snow leopards, red pandas, and rare medicinal plants. The Indo-Burma region covers Northeast India, which is known for its hoolock gibbons and golden langurs. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, supports a high number of endemic amphibians, reptiles, and the Nilgiri tahr. Meanwhile, the Sundaland region, encompassing the Nicobar Islands, harbors unique marine and island biodiversity, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
The country has documented around 91,000 animal species and 45,500 plant species across its ten biogeographic regions. What makes India unique is its significant portion of endemic wildlife, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world but in India—this includes 12.6% of mammals, 4.5% of birds, 45.8% of reptiles, 55.8% of amphibians, and 33% of plant species.
In recent years, India has shown a strong commitment to boosting wildlife conservation through a blend of established programs and innovative strategies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat in early March 2025 highlighted successes in Asiatic lion conservation and ongoing species-specific projects.
During his visit, the PM launched new initiatives aimed at expanding protection for vulnerable species like gharials and the Great Indian Bustard. A core focus was also placed on integrating advanced technologies, including AI and geospatial mapping, to enhance forest fire management and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. And to strengthen on-the-ground efforts, investments were announced in infrastructure, such as a National Referral Centre for wildlife health, and capacity building for frontline forest staff.
In 2025, India released the first-ever estimate of Gangetic dolphin populations. The report estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins in the Ganges and its tributaries using a standardised assessment, but does not indicate population trends over time. The survey covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,500 kilometers over 3,150 mandays. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. This report was a significant step in riverine dolphin conservation efforts.
However, despite having some of the strongest conservation policies, the implementation process often faces roadblocks. Menon acknowledged the government’s commitment and said in comparison to many other countries, India has achieved miracles. “The government invests significant resources in conservation. An informed public, advisors, and activists play a crucial role in keeping these efforts on track,” he said.
He also noted key areas that require immediate attention. “Habitat restoration should not be confused with mere tree plantations, which can sometimes be detrimental. Addressing invasive species, emerging diseases, and restoring habitats with a long-term perspective is crucial,” he said, adding that there should be special attention towards rivers, seas, and island ecosystems, which are often overlooked in mainstream conservation discourse.
Even though India’s approach to wildlife conservation has evolved in the past years into a more comprehensive and technology-driven strategy, a key focus remains on research and documentation, particularly concerning medicinal plants and traditional practices, to enhance conservation policies.
India’s key initiative in wildlife conservation efforts, like Project Tiger, has boosted the population to 3,682 tigers in 2022, with India now home to 75% of the world’s wild tigers. Project Lion increased Asiatic lions to 674 in 2020, with their natural dispersal to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary marking a major success.
Another successful initiative is Project Snow Leopard, which focuses on habitat security and community-based conservation, showing positive trends. Project Rhino has helped Kaziranga National Park sustain the world’s largest one-horned rhino population, while the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 aimed to distribute 3,000 rhinos across Assam’s protected areas. Project Cheetah, still in its early stages, seeks to reintroduce cheetahs to India via translocations from Namibia and South Africa.
However, as India strives for economic growth and global influence, it must balance development with biodiversity protection. Whereas the country has seen significant successes yet conservation efforts remain disproportionately focused on charismatic species like tigers, while lesser-known species receive minimal attention.
Menon noted that species like frogs and earthworms often struggle for funding and recognition. He believes that “to create a truly holistic conservation framework, India must broaden its focus beyond flagship species and ensure equitable distribution of resources to protect its entire biodiversity.”
It is not to forget that India is a country that is rapidly developing, hence faces the complex challenge of preserving its wild legacy. Besides the gap in recognising, distributing resources, implementation complexity, urban expansion, climate change, and increasing pollution also need immediate attention and intervention.
The country is struggling with pollution at every step, from water to air; micro and macro plastics have been found in the deepest surface of the sea, harming the aquatic animals, and the impact of climate change on animals is severe and challenging. One of the most visible examples would be current heat waves, which have impacted the whole ecosystem. According to reports in April 2024, a large number of birds and small animals died and were admitted to the hospital due to dehydration only. As per data from People for Animals (PFA), an animal welfare NGO, “over the last three years, there has been an increase in the number of birds affected by dehydration in Bengaluru.”
India ranks 176 out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, assessed by Yale and Columbia universities based on factors like biodiversity, habitat protection, air and water quality, and waste management. The country has the second-highest deforestation rate after Brazil, losing 1.49 million hectares of trees between 2013-2023, with 95% of this being natural forests, which are 40 times more effective than plantations in carbon sequestration. Even legally protected areas are facing destruction. Meanwhile, Indian cities struggle with severe air pollution and poor livability rankings, yet environmental concerns remain largely absent from electoral discourse.
The 2023 report by State of India’s Birds found that 19% of 942 bird species studied were of conservation concern, with declines in nearly 60% of 348 species studied over 25 years and in 40% of 359 species studied since 2015. Ironically, one cannot even find dedicated studies and data about how pollution impacts wildlife.
“We know pollution harms biodiversity, but its incremental effects often go unnoticed compared to poaching or habitat destruction. For instance, we still don’t fully understand what rising air pollution levels are doing to bird populations,” highlighted Menon.
Talking about various conservation challenges, Menon said that habitat protection and restoration should take precedence. “If we focus on habitat restoration, it will naturally support species recovery and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Restoration should not just be about planting trees but reviving entire ecosystems, from fungi to grasses, bushes, trees, and the fauna that depend on them,” he explained.
And, the key to sustainable conservation would be involving the local communities. Prime Minister Modi has also noted the crucial role of local communities’ involvement and utilization of their traditional ecological knowledge in conservation efforts. Given that a large portion of India’s population resides near protected areas, Menon stresses the importance of involving local communities. “Working with these communities is the ONLY way to save wild nature. This means instilling pride, creating awareness about best practices, offering alternatives to harmful activities, and ensuring they economically benefit from sustainable resource use,” said Menon.
India’s wildlife conservation journey is a story of both success and urgent challenges. While the country has several remarkable success stories to tell, we need more conversation around the broader conservation landscape, which struggles with habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and uneven resource distribution. Despite being a megadiverse nation, India’s environmental rankings and deforestation rates highlight the pressing need for stronger policy implementation, scientific research, and community-driven efforts. As Vivek Menon emphasized, a holistic approach—one that prioritizes habitat restoration, expands focus beyond charismatic species, and integrates advanced technologies—is crucial for securing the future of India’s biodiversity. However, conservation cannot thrive in isolation; it must be balanced with sustainable development, proactive governance, and greater public awareness. Bridging the data gap, ensuring proper policy implementation, and adopting a more inclusive approach to biodiversity conservation will be critical in the coming years.
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