On the 108th anniversary of the Zoological Survey of India’s (ZSI) foundation day, a significant publication named “75 Endemic Birds of India” was recently unveiled. The publication, which highlights the unique avian diversity of India, sheds light on the fact that 5% of birds found in the country are endemic and not found elsewhere globally. This insightful work was launched to commemorate the ZSI’s 108th foundation day, and it holds vital information about India’s exclusive bird species.
India is a land of rich biodiversity, and its avian population is no exception. With 1,353 bird species, India accounts for approximately 12.40% of the global bird diversity. Among this impressive array of avian fauna, 78 species (5%) are exclusive to India and are referred to as endemic species. These endemic birds have evolved over time, adapting to the unique ecosystems and environmental conditions of the Indian subcontinent.
Endangered and Rare Species
Among the 78 endemic species, unfortunately, three have not been sighted in recent decades, raising concerns about their survival. The Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis) is classified as ‘Endangered’ and was last recorded in 1907. The Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ and was last seen in 1876. Similarly, the Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) is also ‘Critically Endangered,’ with its last confirmed sighting dating back to 2009. These examples highlight the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect these rare and vulnerable species from extinction.
Geographic Distribution and Conservation: Hotspots for Endemic Birds
The publication outlines that the 75 endemic bird species are distributed across various regions of India. They belong to 11 orders, 31 families, and 55 genera, signifying their diverse evolutionary origins. Some regions are particularly noteworthy for hosting a high number of endemic species. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tops the list with 28 endemic bird species. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their unique and isolated ecosystems, are home to 25 endemic species. The Eastern Himalayas, with their pristine mountain habitats, house four endemic bird species.
Conservation Status: Protecting India’s Precious Avifauna
Conservation is paramount to ensure the survival of these endemic bird species. Among the 78 endemics, 25 are currently classified as ‘Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The ‘Critically Endangered’ species, such as the Bugun Liocichla, Himalayan Quail, and Jerdon’s Courser, require immediate attention and focused conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. The publication provides comprehensive insights into the conservation status, etymology, historical relevance, traits, habitats, breeding habits, and more for each of these unique species.
Zoological Survey of India: Preserving India’s Faunal Heritage
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), established in 1916 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of India’s diverse fauna. As a taxonomic authority, the ZSI is renowned for its expertise in species identification, classification, and nomenclature. It conducts extensive surveys, documenting India’s faunal richness for scientific reference and ecosystem research.
The ZSI’s research contributes significantly to informing policy and management decisions, fostering sustainable resource utilization. One of its notable contributions is the publication of the Red Data Book on Indian Animals since 1983, providing crucial information about the conservation status of various species, including endemic birds.