Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reveals that 5% of India’s bird species are endemic, meaning they are unique to the country and not found elsewhere.
- Titled “75 Endemic Birds of India,” the publication was released on the 108th foundation day of the ZSI. Out of India’s total of 1,353 bird species, 78 (5%) are endemic to the country.
Key Findings:
- Three of these species have not been spotted in decades: the Manipur Bush Quail, the Himalayan Quail, and Jerdon’s Courser.
- The Western Ghats have the highest number of endemic species, with 28 recorded.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have significant endemism, hosting 25 bird species unique to the region.
- The publication sheds light on the conservation status of these endemic species, with 25 classifieds as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN, and a few listed as ‘Critically Endangered,’ ‘Endangered,’ ‘Vulnerable,’ or ‘Near Threatened.’
