Indian Flora and Fauna

Pashmina wool, also known as cashmere, is obtained from the undercoat of the Himalayan mountain goat (specifically the Changthangi breed). These goats are found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, Nepal, and Tibet. The fine, soft wool is combed from the goat's undercoat during spring molting season. Sheep, deer, and rams are not sources of authentic Pashmina.

The Asiatic cheetah became extinct in India in the 1950s, with the last confirmed sightings in the 1940s. While India recently reintroduced African cheetahs to Kuno National Park (starting in 2022), for many decades the correct answer was that cheetahs were extinct in India. Gir Forest is known for Asiatic lions, Ranthambore for tigers, and Kaziranga for rhinoceros.

Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is primarily a tiger sanctuary. It was the first national park in India and is famous for its Bengal tiger population and tiger conservation project.

Gir National Park in Gujarat is famous for Asiatic lions, being the only place in the world where this endangered lion subspecies exists in the wild. It was established specifically to protect these lions. Pandas, elephants, and deer are found in other wildlife sanctuaries in India and abroad.

The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also known as the One-Horned Rhino, is primarily found in India. Its main habitats are in the northeastern state of Assam, particularly in Kaziranga National Park. It is not native to Philippines, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam harbours the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros (about 2,400+ individuals). This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes. Periyar and Kanha are known for elephants/tigers, while Corbett is famed for tigers.

The Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India. While cows are sacred in Hindu culture and panthers (leopards) exist in India, the tiger holds the official status as the national animal, representing strength and grace.

The Peacock is India's national bird, officially declared in 1963 for its cultural significance and beauty. 'Egle' and 'Perrot' are garbled options that don't match real bird names.

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) was declared India's national tree in 1950 for its longevity and cultural importance. Its expansive root system symbolizes unity and eternal life.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, formerly known as Borivali National Park, is Mumbai's famous city forest. It's one of the few national parks located within a city's limits and is known for its leopard population and rich biodiversity.

Tigers are found in all three sanctuaries: Sundarbans in West Bengal is famous for its mangrove tigers, Ranthambore in Rajasthan is known for its relatively easy tiger sightings, and Manas in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant tiger population.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros population, hosting about two-thirds of the world's total. This endangered species is the park's main conservation success story and tourist attraction. Zebras, lions, and giraffes are African wildlife not found in Kaziranga.

The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is India's national animal, declared in 1973 replacing the lion. It was chosen due to its strength, grace, and historical significance in Indian culture. The Project Tiger initiative was launched to conserve this endangered species.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam is world-famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which it successfully conserved from near extinction. The park hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros population. Zebras, lions, and giraffes are not native to Indian wildlife - they are African species.

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is officially recognized as the national tree of India, known for its massive size and longevity. The Pipal (Peepal) and Mango trees are also culturally significant but not the designated national tree.