Which of the following animals is officially recognised as the state animal of Andhra Pradesh?

Introduction / Context:
Many Indian states have designated official symbols such as a state animal, state bird, state flower, and state tree. These symbols reflect the state's natural heritage and cultural identity. Questions about state symbols often appear in general knowledge examinations. This question asks specifically about the state animal of Andhra Pradesh, one of the large states in southern India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The state in question is Andhra Pradesh.
• Four animals are listed: Mithun, Ox, One horned rhinoceros, and Blackbuck.
• We must identify which of these has been officially recognised as the state animal.
• Standard references on Indian state symbols are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
The Blackbuck, a graceful antelope with spiral horns, is associated with the dry grasslands and scrublands of India and has cultural significance in several states. Andhra Pradesh has officially adopted the Blackbuck as its state animal. Mithun is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland; the one horned rhinoceros is associated with Assam; and the generic term Ox does not specifically match any state animal symbol in this context. Therefore, the correct answer for Andhra Pradesh is the Blackbuck.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to recall that the Blackbuck figures in several government emblems, conservation projects, and tourism materials related to Andhra Pradesh. It is also featured in wildlife sanctuaries in the region. On the other hand, Mithun and the one horned rhinoceros are clearly tied to other states geographically and culturally, reinforcing that Blackbuck is the correct match for Andhra Pradesh.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mithun: Recognised as a state animal in north eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, not in Andhra Pradesh.
• Ox: A general term for a working cattle animal and not recognised as Andhra Pradesh's specific state animal symbol.
• One horned rhinoceros: Strongly associated with Assam and its famous national parks, not with Andhra Pradesh.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up state symbols, especially when they study them in bulk for all states at once. Another pitfall is to guess based on which animal seems more exotic or rare, rather than recalling the actual official designation. Creating a small table linking each state with its key symbols, and revising it regularly, helps prevent such confusion in the exam.

Final Answer:
The state animal officially recognised by Andhra Pradesh is the Blackbuck.