First Comprehensive Fauna Checklist
India has achieved a significant milestone by creating the "Fauna
of India Checklist Portal," the first comprehensive document listing
the faunal species reported from the country. This checklist covers a
remarkable 104,561 species and was launched by Union Environment
Minister Bhupender Yadav in Kolkata on the 109th Foundation Day
of the Zoological Survey of India.
Animal Taxonomy Summit–2024
The Zoological Survey of India is set to organize the Animal
Taxonomy Summit–2024, the second summit of its kind. The summit will feature
deliberations under three broad themes: Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution;
Ecology and Animal Behaviour; and Biodiversity and Conservation. The event aims
to convey recommendations to the Government of India for biodiversity
conservation and will conclude on 3rd July 2024.
Zoological Survey of India
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 by the British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale.
- It serves as the premier taxonomic research organization in India with its headquarters located in Kolkata.
- The main objective of ZSI is to promote surveys, exploration, and research aimed at advancing our knowledge of the rich animal life in India.
- The genesis of ZSI can be traced back to the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
- Since its inception, ZSI has been actively documenting the diversity and distribution of India's fauna, conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programs.
- ZSI has published extensive information covering all animal taxa, ranging from Protozoa to Mammalia.
India's Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation
Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted
India's global leadership in biodiversity conservation, citing initiatives such
as the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" program and the International Big Cat
Alliance. He also emphasized the successful relocation of cheetahs to India as
an example of the country’s effective conservation efforts. Additionally, PM’s
Mission LIFE, focusing on sustainable consumption and conservation, has been
put forth as a model for the world, emphasizing the concept of a recycle economy.
Bird Species in India
India is home to 1,358 bird species, with 79 being endemic,
found nowhere else in the world. The Western Ghats Bio-geographic zone has the
highest number of these species at 28, followed by the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
The importance of the fauna checklist for India and its
significance for several key areas:
1. Conservation and Protection: The fauna checklist for
India documents all known animal species in the country and provides a crucial
baseline for monitoring changes in biodiversity. It helps identify threatened
or endangered species, which is essential for targeted conservation efforts.
2. Scientific Research: The detailed inventory of India's
fauna serves as a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and
policymakers. It enables a better understanding of the country's ecological
diversity and facilitates informed decisions related to the sustainable
management of natural resources.
3. International Leadership: India's initiative in preparing
a comprehensive national-level checklist of its entire fauna sets it apart as a
global leader in biodiversity documentation and conservation. This move
positions India as an example for other countries to follow in this regard.
4. Informing Policy and Planning: The fauna checklist will
play a pivotal role in helping the government develop more effective policies
and programs for wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and environmental
management across India.
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