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Zoological Survey of India Releases Publication on India's Endemic Birds

  • 08 Aug 2023

Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has published a report titled "75 Endemic Birds of India," shedding light on the significance of the country's unique avian species.

Key Points:

  • Endemic Bird Diversity: The ZSI publication reveals that approximately 5% of the bird species found in India are endemic, meaning they are not found in any other part of the world.
  • Indian Bird Diversity: India is home to 1,353 bird species, which accounts for around 12.40% of the global bird diversity.
  • Endemic Species: Among the Indian bird species, 78 (5%) are endemic to the country, underscoring the unique avian diversity found within its borders.
  • Notable Absences: Some of these endemic species have not been sighted in recent decades, including the Manipur Bush Quail, Himalayan Quail, and Jerdon’s Courser.
  • Importance of Conservation: The publication emphasizes the need to conserve habitats of endemic species to prevent their decline and loss.
  • Distribution Patterns: The report highlights that these 75 endemic bird species belong to 11 different orders, 31 families, and 55 genera, showcasing their diverse distribution across India.
  • Regional Concentration: The Western Ghats record the highest number of endemic species, with 28 bird species unique to this bio-geographic hotspot.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host 25 endemic bird species, likely due to their geographical isolation.
  • Conservation Status: Of the 78 endemic species, 25 are classified as 'Threatened' by the IUCN. Some species are 'Critically Endangered,' 'Endangered,' 'Vulnerable,' or 'Near Threatened.'
  • Comprehensive Insights: The publication offers in-depth information about each endemic species, including scientific names, historical relevance, distinguishing traits, habitats, breeding habits, and more.
  • Conservation Efforts: The report aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving endemic bird species and their habitats.