List of State Animals for All State and UT's

India has rich and varied wildlife and is home to many big and small animals. While everyone is aware that the tiger is our national animal, not many know that all states and union territories have their own state animals.

List of State Animals

The state animals are primarily chosen based on their abundance, endangered status, or whether they are native to the region. Here's a complete list of Indian state animals in alphabetical order.

List of Union Territories State Animals

State Animals - Overview

Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab- Blackbuck

Also known as the Indian antelope, blackbuck is an endangered species native to India and Nepal. Though light-coloured when born, the species turn black with age. The females of this species are hornless, unlike the males.

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland - Mithun

The gayal, also known as Mithun, is a type of domesticated bull. It's a cross between wild gaur and domestic cattle. They are ritually slaughtered or butchered for meat.

Assam- One-horned Rhino

A single horn on their nose characterizes these rhinos. It's a large mammal native to Asia, coming second only to the Asian elephant.

Bihar, Goa- Gaur

The gaur is a massive wild Indian bull. Native to South and Southeast Asia, these bulls fall under IUCN's Red List as a vulnerable species.

Chhattisgarh- Wild Buffalo

Wild buffalos are mainly found in Chhattisgarh and Assam in India. Sadly, the giant beast is on the verge of extinction in Chhattisgarh, with only 25 to 35 buffaloes left.

Delhi- Nilgai

The nilgai is the largest Asian antelope found in the Northern Indian subcontinent. They get their name from the blue colour of their body. The state animal of Delhi is heavily protected there.

Gujarat- Asiatic Lion

Gujarat houses the majestic Asiatic lion in Gir, the only lion sanctuary in India. Indian lions are comparatively smaller and with lesser mane than their African counterparts.

Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh- Snow Leopard

Snow leopards occupy a large part of India's eastern and western Himalayas. These exotic endangered creatures are protected in Hemis, Gangotri, Khangchendzonga, and the Great Himalayan National Parks.

Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala- Elephant

Elephants are common in the Southern region of India. Through predominantly wild, they are domesticated by some for transportation or as a means of entertainment.

Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh – Swamp deer

Known by the name Barasingha, swamp deer are distinct from other deer species because of more than three times in their antlers. Today swamp deer can only be found in India and Nepal.

Maharashtra- Giant Squirrel

Giant squirrels are multi-coloured tree squirrels distinguished by their considerably long tail. They feed on fruits/ nuts and insects and jump from tree to tree for travelling.

Tamil Nadu- Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri tahr is a mountain ungulate with coarse fur and a bristly mane. The endangered species can be found in the high mountains of Southern India.

FAQs on State Animals

Q.1) What is the State Animal of India's capital, Delhi?

Ans: The State Animal of Delhi is the Nilgai.

Q.2) Which States share Elephants as their State Animals?

Ans: Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala share elephants as their State Animals.

Q.3) Which animal was recently declared the State Animal of Ladakh?

Ans: Ladakh declared the snow leopard their State Animal on 1st September 2021.