India’s national symbols reflect the nation’s identity. Moreover, these symbols represent the country and its diverse cultural heritage. The national animal of India is the Royal Bengal Tiger. In Hindu mythology and during the Vedic period, the tiger represented strength and power.India is home to 80 percent of the global tiger population. The Royal Bengal Tiger has appeared on Indian currency notes as well as on postage stamps.
In this article, we will look into the national animal of India, i.e., the Royal Bengal Tiger. Moreover, we will also provide a list of the national animals of all countries.
National Animal of India: Overview
The national animal of India is the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. Its scientific name is Panthera tigris tigris. The Bengal Tiger is a striped animal with a robust yellow fur coat adorned with dark stripes. The Royal Bengal Tiger represents strength, agility, and elegance. This majestic and regal animal is also formidable. The Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the most notable carnivores in Indian wildlife. With this in mind, it is known for its enchanting and mystical characteristics, and it stands out among the diverse wild animals found in India. Coupled with these traits elevates it to the status of the national animal of India.
1. Scientific Classification
The scientific classification of the national animal of India, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is as follows:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Synapsida |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Panthera |
| Species | Panthera tigris |
| Subspecies | Panthera tigris tigris |
2. National Animal of India: Location
The national animal of India,mainly found in the following places.
a. Grasslands and dry scrub land (Ranthambore in Rajasthan)
b. Tropical and subtropical rainforests (Corbett in Uttarakhand/Periyar in Kerala)
c. Mangroves (Sunderbans)
d. Both wet and dry deciduous forests (Kanha in Madhya Pradesh/Simlipal in Odisha).
3. What is the Average Life Span of a Tiger?
The Royal Bengal tiger has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years in the wild. Very few specimens reach the maximum lifespan of about 15 years. This shorter lifespan is often due to the challenges of hunting large animals as they age. Older tigers may become too weak for hunting. In contrast, Bengal tigers in captivity enjoy significantly longer lives. They typically live between 18 to 20 years.
National Animal of India: Project Tiger
By 1973, the tiger population had started dwindling at a rapid rate. The government initiated Project Tiger in April 1973 to preserve this regal and majestic animal. Project Tiger aims to protect tigers from extinction. It also focuses on preserving areas of biological importance as natural heritage. The project aims to accurately represent the diversity of ecosystems across the country’s tiger distribution.
Why is the Tiger Considered the National Animal of India?
The tiger is named as India’s national animal because of the following reasons:
- India chose the tiger as its national animal because it embodies grace, strength, agility, and gigantic might. On April 1, 1973, the government established Project Tiger and launched it from Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
- A national animal serves as a highly recognizable symbol of a country’s natural resources. Furthermore, authorities choose it based on several factors. Firstly, they consider how well the animal represents the specific characteristics that the government wants to associate with the nation.
- The national animal should have a long history as part of the nation’s tradition and culture. Another key point is that it should be widely disseminated within the country. Ideally, the national animal should be indigenous to that country and integral to its identity. The choice of national animal is based on its conservation status. This focus enables more substantial efforts to ensure its long-term existence, given its official position.
Important Facts of the Tiger
- In the first place, the Royal Bengal Tiger was adopted as the national animal of India in April 1973.
- In 1973, Project Tiger was initiated. It aims to protect the dwindling population of tigers in India during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure.
- Kailash Sankhala was the first director of Project Tiger.
- Before 1973, the lion was the national animal of India.
- At present, India has 50 tiger reserves, which Project Tiger governs.
List of National Animals of All Countries
| List of National Animals of All Countries | |
| Countries | National Animal |
| Afghanistan | Marco Polo Sheep |
| Argentina | Puma |
| Australia | Kangaroo |
| Bangladesh | Royal Bengal Tiger |
| Belgium | Lion |
| Bhutan | Takin |
| Bolivia | Llama |
| Brazil | Jaguar |
| Bulgaria | Lion |
| Chile | Huemul |
| China | Chinese Dragon |
| Colombia | Andean Condor |
| Cuba | Cuban Crocodile |
| Cyprus | Mouflon Sheep |
| Denmark | Lion |
| Egypt | Saladin’s Eagle |
| England | Lion, Bulldog |
| Finland | Brown Bear |
| France | Gallic Rooster |
| Hungary | Turul |
| India | Royal Bengal Tiger |
| Iraq | Komodo Dragon |
| Ireland | Irish Wolfhound, Red Deer |
| Israel | Gazelle |
| Japan | Pheasant, Koi |
| Jordan | Oryx |
| Malaysia | Malayan Tiger |
| Myanmar | Peafowl |
| Netherlands | Lion |
| New Zealand | Moose |
| Norway | Lion |
| Pakistan | Markhor |
| Philippines | Carabao |
| Poland | White Eagle |
| Portugal | Iberian wolf |
| Puerto Rico | Coqui |
| Romania | lynx |
| Russia | Russian Brown Bear |
| Scotland | Unicorn and Lion |
| Singapore | Lion |
| South Africa | Springbok Antelope |
| South Korea | Korean Tiger |
| Spain | Bull |
| Sri Lanka | Lion |
| Taiwan | Formosan Black Bear |
| Thailand | Thai Elephant |
| United States of America | American Bison |
| Vietnam | Water Buffalo |
| Zimbabwe | Sable Antelope |
Conclusion
The Royal Bengal Tiger represents India’s national animal because it embodies grace, strength, agility, and great power. It inhabits most parts of the country, except the north-western region, and also lives in neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. In April 1973, the government launched “Project Tiger” to combat the declining tiger population in India. This initiative established 27 tiger reserves across the country, covering a total area of 37,761 square kilometers.
