Delhi may soon have its own state bird, animal

New Delhi: The country's showpiece Capital, Delhi may soon have its own state bird, animal, tree and flower.

Delhi government is in the process of selecting species from a set of wildlife options provided by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

"There are two species each in four categories being considered by the Government. All of them are symbols of our city and generally recognisable to a good number of people in the city," said INTACH Chairman, S K Mishra.

Among birds, the INTACH has suggested the colourful and magnificent Indian Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) and purple seabird, a bird with shining purple feathers and is commonly seen in the greenbelts of the city.

Commonly found antelopes also known as Neelgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) which are considered sacred by some Indians and blackbuck popularly known as 'Kala Hiran' are the species in the animal category.

Black bucks are included in the list of endangered species in India as well as Nepal. Two major factors that have contributed to their declining population are poaching and habitat destruction.