Zoological Survey of India

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5% of birds in India are endemic, says Zoological Survey of India publication.

For Prelims: ZSI, Red data book.

A recent publication by Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) points out that about 5% of birds found in country are endemic and not reported in other parts of world.
Ther publication, 75 Endemic Birds of India, was recently released on 108th foundation day of ZSI.
India is home to 1,353 bird species, which represents approximately 12.4% of global bird diversity.

It originated as a Zoological Section of the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was launched in 1916 to promote survey, exploration, and research to enhance the knowledge regarding the flora and fauna of the British Indian Empire
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is a premier research organization functioning under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Initially, the ZSI had eight regional centers across India. Currently, there are 16 regional centers spread across the country.
The headquarters is in Kolkata.
It has been declared as a designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per Section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002.

To promote the survey, exploration, research, and documentation on various aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks the advancement of knowledge on animal taxonomy.
Make a status survey of the threatened and endemic species.
Preparation of Red Data Book, Fauna of India, and Fauna of States.
Bio-ecological studies on important communities/species.
Preparation of database for the recorded species of the country.
Maintenance and Development of National Zoological Collections.

ZSI publishes the Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983 and is similar to the Red Data Book published by IUCN.
Publication of results including Fauna of India, Fauna of States, and Fauna of Conservation Areas.
Training, Capacity Building, and Human Resource Development of the people involved.
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing studies on recorded animal diversity as well as on threatened species.
It works for the development of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Centers.

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