1. Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus): Once found in various parts of India, including the grasslands and forests, the Asiatic cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952 due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and loss of prey.
2. Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): While the Indian rhinoceros is not extinct, its subspecies, the Javan rhinoceros and the Sumatran rhinoceros, were historically present in India but are now considered regionally extinct.
3. Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps): One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Great Indian Bustard was native to grasslands and arid regions of India. However, due to factors such as hunting, loss of habitat, and degradation of its grassland habitat, it is currently critically endangered and faces a high risk of extinction.
4. Pink-headed Duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea): The Pink-headed Duck was once found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, and rice paddies in India. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, hunting, and the introduction of exotic species, it is now globally extinct.
5. Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica): Although Asiatic lions are still found in the Gir National Park in Gujarat, they once roamed across much wider areas of India, including Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Central India. However, their population declined significantly due to hunting and habitat loss, leading to their confinement to their current protected habitat.
These are just a few examples of extinct and regionally extinct species native to India. The extinction or regional extinction of these species highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect India's rich biodiversity and ensure the survival of its unique flora and fauna.