INDIA has prepared a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 1,04,561 species, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Launching the “Fauna of India Checklist Portal” on the occasion of the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata on Sunday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the first comprehensive document on the faunal species in India will position the country as a global leader in biodiversity documentation. He said the faunal checklist will be an invaluable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservation managers and policymakers.

 

The document comprises 121 checklists of all known taxa, covering 36 phyla. Endemic, threatened and scheduled species have also been included in the list. The minister said India is a global champion in biodiversity conservation, as reflected by the fact that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was the first major programme undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after winning a third term at the Centre. Yadav also highlighted the Government’s initiatives, such as the International Big Cat Alliance to preserve biodiversity and species, and said the relocation of cheetahs to India is one such successful project. The minister said the silver lining is that India is a global champion in biodiversity conservation, adding that our tradition, ethos and values respect nature and promote biodiversity conservation. “The faunal checklist will be an invaluable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservation managers, and policymakers. It comprises 121 checklists of all known taxa covering 36 phyla. Endemic, threatened, and scheduled species have also been included in the list,” he added.

 

He said, moreover, PM’s Mission LIFE put forth before the world with the theme of sustainable consumption and conservation. Stressing the concept of a recycling economy, Yadav said: “Whatever we take from nature, efforts should be made to return back the same in pristine, pure form.” He also highlighted the Government’s initiatives like the International Big Cat Alliance to preserve biodiversity and species and said that the relocation of cheetahs to India as a successful project is one such example. Inaugurating the Animal Taxonomy Summit-2024 organised by ZSI, Yadav congratulated ZSI for completing 109 glorious years dedicated to the service of our faunal biodiversity. The Animal Taxonomy Summit-2024 is the second summit being organised by ZSI. During the summit, deliberations will be held under three broad themes, 1) Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution, 2) Ecology and Animal Behaviour; 3) Biodiversity and Conservation. 350 delegates from four countries, including those from the Natural History Museum, London would participate in the summit. The three-day summit will witness 21 plenary/ lead lectures of eminent speakers/ experts from India as well as abroad and 142 oral/poster presentations. The summit will conclude on 3rd July 2024.