Context:
A recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) titled 75 Endemic Birds of India was recently released on the 108th foundation day of the ZSI.
Key Highlights:
- India – Home to 12.40% of global bird diversity.
- 78 bird species (5%) are endemic to India
- 3 species not recorded in the last few decades – Manipur Bush Quail (Endangered), Himalayan Quail (Critically Endangered), Jerdon’s Courser (Critically Endangered)
- Highest number of endemic species – Recorded in the Western Ghats (28) followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Major Species Recorded in Western Ghats: Malabar Grey Hornbill; Malabar Parakeet; Ashambu Laughing Thrush; White-bellied Sholakili.
- Number of species as per IUCN Classification –Threatened (25), Endangered (5), Critically Endangered (3), Vulnerable (17).
Endemic Bird Day is observed to document the endemic or near-endemic birds of our subcontinent.
Zoological Survey of India:
- Established in 1916.
- Ministry – Ministry of Environment and Forests
- Purpose – To conducting animal surveys and exploring the country’s resources to enhance our understanding of its remarkably diverse fauna.
- Headquartered at Kolkata.
Terms & Definitions
Endemic birds are species of birds that are found exclusively in a particular geographic area and nowhere else in the world.
An endemic bird area refers to a specific region or area that harbors a high concentration of such unique bird species.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Questions
Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gangotri National Park
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Manas National Park
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
