5 percent of bird species in India are endemic

 

Latest Context:

Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) revealed that almost 5% of India’s bird species are endemic, meaning they are unique to India and not found elsewhere in the world.

Key findings of the ZSI’s publication are:

• India is home to almost 1,353 bird species, which included 12.4% of global bird diversity.
• 3 endemic bird species- Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis), Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) and Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) have not been recorded in last few decades.
• Himalayan Quail; Jerdon’s Courser and Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) have been categorized as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN.
• Largest number of endemic species have been found in Western Ghats including Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus); Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides); Ashambu Laughing Thrush (Montecincla meridionalis); White-bellied Sholakili (Sholicola albiventris) etc.
• Many species are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands such as Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis); Nicobar Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi); Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi); and Andaman Barn Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi).
• 4 species of birds are endemic to Eastern Himalayas, and one each to Southern Deccan plateau and central Indian forest.

About the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• Basically, the ZSI is a premier organization dedicated to the study of animal diversity and its conservation.
• Established in 1916, ZSI operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
• Its primary mandate is to conduct scientific research on various aspects of animal life in the country, including ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.
• ZSI's primary role involves the identification, classification, and description of various animal species. This helps in creating a comprehensive database.
•  ZSI publishes scientific papers, research reports, and monographs related to its research findings. This contributes to the broader scientific community's knowledge about Indian fauna.

 

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