India has made a significant contribution to the Global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2024, documenting over 1,000 species and ranking second in the number of submissions globally.
This initiative, which draws birding enthusiasts from across India, took place from February 16-19, 2024, marking the country’s 12th consecutive year of participation. Here’s a closer look at India’s involvement and achievements in this global citizen science initiative aimed at documenting bird diversity.
GBBC 2024: India’s Participation
Overview of Participation
- Over 1,000 species submitted, ranking India second globally in submissions.
- Participation marked India’s 12th consecutive year in the GBBC.
- Event took place from February 16-19, 2024.
Count and Documentation
- Indian birdwatchers submitted over 61,000 checklists.
- A total of 1,036 bird species were documented on eBird.
- India ranked second in the number of checklists and third in species count among participating countries.
Global Context
- The United States led with 172,025 checklists.
- Following India, Canada ranked third with 25,420 checklists.
- Colombia and Ecuador submitted the most species, with 1,363 and 1,130 species respectively.
Regional Highlights
Participation Across India
- For the first time, birders from all Indian states and Union territories participated.
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra led in the number of checklists submitted.
- West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Assam reported the highest number of species.
Top States
- Kerala: 14,023 checklists
- Tamil Nadu: 13,661 checklists
- Maharashtra: 5,725 checklists
- West Bengal (highest species): 538
- Uttarakhand: 426 species
- Assam: 420 species
Notable Species Observed
- Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Andaman Woodpecker, Nilgiri Laughingthrush
- White-headed Starling, Nilgiri Sholakili, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
- Andaman Treepie, Forest Owlet, Bugun Liocichla, White-bellied Sholakili
Source: India records 1,036 species for backyard bird count — third highest globally (Down To Earth, March 4, 2024)
75 Endemic Birds of India
In August 2023, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) celebrated its 108th foundation day by releasing a significant publication titled “75 Endemic Birds of India.” This work underscores the critical importance of conserving the habitats of endemic bird species, which are unique to India and not found elsewhere in the world.
By highlighting the necessity of protecting these species and their habitats, the publication aims to raise awareness among the general public, especially students, about the unique avian biodiversity within the country.
Endemic Birds in India: An Overview
Importance of Endemic Species
- The publication emphasizes the crucial role of endemic bird species in India’s biodiversity.
- It advocates for the conservation of their habitats to prevent their decline.
- The aim is to increase awareness among common people and students about these species found in restricted areas.
Key Findings on Endemic Bird Species
Western Ghats as a Prime Habitat
- Records 28 endemic bird species, making it a significant bio-geographic hotspot.
- Notable species include the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Ashambu Laughing Thrush, and the White-bellied Sholakili.
Endemism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Home to 25 endemic bird species, attributed to the geographical isolation of the region.
- Exclusive species include the Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Barn Owl.
Other Regions with Endemic Species
- Four species are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas.
- One species each is endemic to the Southern Deccan plateau and the central Indian forest.
Conservation Status of Endemic Species
IUCN Classification of Endemic Birds
Threatened Species
- Out of 78 endemic species, 25 are classified as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN.
Critically Endangered Species
- Three species are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’: the Bugun Liocichla, Himalayan Quail, and Jerdon’s Courser.
Other Categories
- Five species are categorized as ‘Endangered’.
- Seventeen species are marked as ‘Vulnerable’.
- Eleven species are considered ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.