Sunderbans home to 428 species of birds: ZSI

Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds, according to the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Context

Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds, according to the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

The publication

• The publication, “Birds of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve” is released by the ZSI.
• It not only documents the avifauna of the Sunderbans, but also serves as comprehensive photographic field guide, with detailed distribution and locality data for all the species from the region.

Key-findings of the Report

• Out of 428 birds listed, some, like the Masked Finfoot and Buffy fish owl, are recorded only from the Sunderbans.
• The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
• India has over 1,300 species of birds and if 428 species of birds are from Sunderbans. It means that one in every three birds in the country is found in the unique ecosystem.