**Species of animals with legal protection in India**

India is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and the government has taken several measures to protect various species from hunting and trade. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides legal protection to numerous animals across the country. Here are some of the species that have been given full or partial legal protection:

**1. Tigers**:
Tigers are one of the most iconic and endangered species in India. They have full legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Killing a tiger or trading its body parts is a punishable offense, with strict penalties.

**2. Elephants**:
Elephants, both the Asian and African species found in India, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. The act prohibits hunting, capturing, or trading elephants without proper authorization.

**3. Lions**:
The Asiatic lion, found in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting or trading lions is strictly prohibited.

**4. Rhinoceros**:
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhino, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Killing or trading rhinos is considered an offense and is punishable by law.

**5. Leopards**:
Leopards are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Killing or trading leopards is strictly prohibited, except in certain exceptional cases where they pose a threat to human life.

**6. Dolphins**:
Both river dolphins, the Gangetic and Indus dolphins, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting or trade of dolphins is illegal, as they are highly endangered.

**7. Crocodiles**:
The three species of crocodiles found in India, namely the mugger, saltwater, and Gharial, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting or trading crocodiles and their products is strictly prohibited.

**8. Snow Leopards**:
Snow leopards, found in the Himalayan region, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Killing or trading snow leopards is strictly prohibited.

**9. Great Indian Bustard**:
The Great Indian Bustard, an endangered bird species, is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting or trading these birds is strictly prohibited.

**10. Olive Ridley Turtles**:
Olive Ridley turtles, known for their mass nesting on the coasts of Odisha, are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Killing or trading these turtles or their eggs is strictly prohibited.

It is important to note that the Wildlife Protection Act also provides protection to numerous other species, and different species may have varying levels of legal protection based on their conservation status. The act aims to conserve and protect wildlife from hunting, trade, and other threats, ensuring their survival for future generations.

*Tiger, Rhino, Monitor Lizard and Tibetian Antelope.