ZOOLOGICAL
SURVEY OF INDIA - ENVIRONMENT
News: 5%
of birds in India are endemic, reveals Zoological Survey of India publication
What's
in the news?
● A
recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) points out that
about 5% of birds found in the country
are endemic and are not reported in other parts of the world.
● The
publication, titled 75 Endemic Birds of India, was recently released on the
108th foundation day of the ZSI.
Zoological
Survey of India:
● The
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is a premier organization in India for
zoological research.
● It
conducts research on the faunal
diversity of the country.
● It
was set up in 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata,
West Bengal.
Nodal
Ministry:
● The
ZSI operates under the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Objective:
● The
primary objective of the ZSI is to survey, document and study the faunal
diversity of India.
● The
study includes both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Features:
● The
organization also carries out taxonomic
research and the classification of species.
● It
also conserves and manages threatened and endangered species.
● The
ZSI operates through its regional centers. The centers are located in different
parts of the country.
● They
conduct surveys and research on the faunal diversity of their respective
regions.
● According
to the National Biodiversity Act 2002, ZSI is regarded as the repository for the National Zoological
Collection.
Red
Data Book of India
● The
Red Data Book of India is a document that lists
the threatened and endangered species of plants and animals found in India.
● It
was first published in 1983 and is periodically updated by the Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI).
● The
book provides information on the distribution, habitat, and conservation status
of species.
● It
is used as a tool for biodiversity conservation planning and management.