Topics Covered: Conservation and biodiversity related issues.
Birds of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve- a publication by ZSI:
Context:
The report was recently published by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
- The report not only documents the avifauna of the Sunderbans, but also serves as a comprehensive photographic field guide, with detailed distribution and locality data for all the species from the region.
Key Findings:
- The Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds. This means that one in every three birds in the country is found in the unique ecosystem.
- Some birds, like the masked finfoot and the Buffy fish owl, are recorded only from the Sunderbans.
- The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper.
About Indian Sundarbans:
- Covers 4,200 sq. km and includes the Sunderban Tiger Reserve of 2,585 sq. km — home to about 96 royal Bengal tigers (as per the last census in 2020).
- It is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance).
- It is also home to a large number of “rare and globally threatened species, such as the critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).”
- Two of the world’s four horseshoe crab species, and eight of India’s 12 species of kingfisher are also found here. Recent studies claim that the Indian Sundarban is home to 2,626 faunal species and 90% of the country’s mangrove varieties.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Where is Sundarbans?
- What are mangroves?
- Flora and fauna in the regions.
- Recent cyclones in BoB region.
Mains Link:
Discuss the impact of cyclone amphan on Mangroves in India.
Sources: the Hindu.
