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Zoological Survey of India- 75 Endemic Birds of India

Status of Birds in India

The Zoological Survey of India released a publication titled ‘75 Endemic Birds of India’, pointing out that about 5% of birds found in the country are endemic and are not reported in other parts of the world.

According to the report, India is home to 1,353 bird species, which represents approximately 12.40% of global bird diversity. Of these 1,353 bird species, 78 (5%) are endemic to the country.

Aim: To make information about endemic birds of the country available to everyone, and highlight the efforts to conserve species that are found only in restricted areas.

Findings of a publication stated below

• Out of 78 species,three species have not been recorded in the last few decades. They are the Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis), listed as ‘Endangered’; the Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), listed as ‘Critically Endangered’; and the Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), listed as ‘Critically Endangered’.
• 5 Endemic Birds of Indiacomes at a time when the country is celebrating 75 years of Independence with the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
• The highest number of endemic species have been recorded in the Western Ghats, with 28 bird species. Such as Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus); Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides);Ashambu Laughing Thrush (Montecincla meridionalis); and the White-bellied Sholakili (Sholicola albiventris).
• Four species of birds are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas, and one each to the Southern Deccan plateau and central Indian forest.
• “25 bird species are endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Like Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis); Nicobar Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi); Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi); and Andaman Barn Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi).

Importance of the report 

• The publication highlights the importance of endemic bird species in the country. “Since endemic species are restrictive in nature, it is important that their habitats are conserved so that they don’t dwindle out.
• The publication also throws light on the conservation status of these endemic species of the 78 endemic species, 25 are classified as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN. Three species are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’. Five of the endemic birds in India are categorized as ‘Endangered’, and 17 as ‘Vulnerable’, while 11 are categorized as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.
• The publication includes etymology (meanings of scientific names) and their historical relevance along with vital facts such as subspecies’ differences, distinguishing traits, preferred habitats, breeding habits, and food preferences,”.