Zoological Survey

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), a subordinate organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, was established on July 1st, 1916. Its primary goals include the exploration, survey, inventory, and monitoring of faunal diversity in India.

The ZSI recently released a report "Skinks of India," which is the first comprehensive report on the various skink species found throughout the country. The study identified a total of 62 species of skinks in India, with 33 of them being endemic. The ZSI also released another report ‘75 Endemic Birds of India,’ which highlights the unique bird species found only in India.

ZSI conducts research on a variety of topics, including ecology and genetics, to obtain information about the distribution and habitat requirements of animal species. Their Red Data Books assess the conservation status of India's animal species and guide conservation efforts. ZSI collaborates with stakeholders to promote wildlife management and provides technical expertise in policy making. Its work is important in addressing habitat loss, climate change and ensuring the conservation of India's fauna.

1. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
2. ZSI was established on July 1st, 1916, to promote survey, exploration, and research leading to the advancement of knowledge about the rich life of the former 'British Indian Empire'.
3. ZSI originated from the Zoological Section at the Indian Museum in Calcutta in 1875.
4. The Headquarter of ZSI is in Kolkata, West Bengal.
5. It has 16 regional centres to explore various ecosystems.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) plays a vital role in understanding, protecting, and utilizing India's rich animal biodiversity. After India signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 more responsibilities were bestowed on it to comply with India’s international commitments. These include identification and monitoring as per Article 7 of the Convention, in-situ conservation (article 8), promoting the sustainable use of biological diversity (Article 10), and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) under Article 14. Under the National Biodiversity Act, 2002 the ZSI is repository of four million zoological specimens collected in India and serves as the National Zoological Collection.

• Exploring and monitoring: ZSI conducts surveys across India to document and track animal populations in various ecosystems and protected areas.
• Identification and classification: They identify and classify animal species, crucial for understanding biodiversity and conservation efforts.
• Threatened species: ZSI monitors the status of threatened and endemic species and publishes the Red Data Book to highlight species needing conservation.
• Biodiversity databases: They create and maintain databases on all recorded animal species in India like the Fauna of India & Fauna of States reports.
• Maintaining National Zoological Collections: ZSI manages the National Zoological Collections, a vast repository of animal specimens.
• Knowledge sharing and training: They publish research findings, offer identification services, and conduct training programs to build expertise in zoological studies. They also maintain libraries and share advisories for important fauna.

• Sustainable use: ZSI supports sustainable use of animal resources by setting limits for legal trade, monitoring commercially important species, and identifying underutilized species with potential.
• Environmental impact assessment: ZSI conducts environmental impact assessments to evaluate the potential ecological effects of development projects.
• Museums and research: They maintain museums, develop research centers and host important information systems like ENVIS (Environmental Information Service) to further biodiversity knowledge.
• Collaboration: ZSI collaborates with other organizations on biodiversity research programs.
• Advanced technologies: They utilize tools like GIS, remote sensing, chromosomal mapping, and DNA fingerprinting to study animal diversity and threatened species.
• Support Research: Provides fellowships, Associateship and Emeritus Scientist Programmes.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) publishes a wide range of resources on Indian wildlife:

• Fauna of India: Comprehensive reports on different animal groups, including identification keys and distribution details.
• State Fauna Series: Detailed surveys of the animal life in various Indian states which is published in collaboration with its 16 regional centres.
• Conservation Area Series: Studies on the wildlife within specific protected areas.
• Ecosystem Series: Exploration of fauna in different ecosystems like wetlands, marine areas, estuaries and the Himalayas.
• Handbooks and Pictorial Guides: User-friendly guides to help identify animal species.
• Special Publications: Proceedings from ZSI events, reports on endangered species, and other valuable resources like the Red Data on Species of India, Ecosystems of India Report, Faunal Resources of India etc.
• Status Survey of Endangered Species: Focused reports on the status of threatened Indian animals.
• Technical Monographs: In-depth studies on specific topics related to animal life.

Skinks of India Report: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released a report "Skinks of India," which is the first comprehensive monograph on the various skink species found throughout the country. Skinks are organisms characterized by their elongated bodies, reduced or absent limbs, lack of a pronounced neck, and glossy scales. Key Findings of this report were:

• 62 species of skinks were found in India.
• 33 of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
• Distribution Across Bio-Geographic Zones: With 1,602 species of skinks across the world, making it the largest family of lizards, their occurrence in India is less than 4 % of the global diversity.
  • Western Ghats: The Western Ghats are home to 24 species of which 18 are endemic to the region.
  • Deccan Peninsular region: The Deccan Peninsular region is home to 19 species of which 13 are endemic.
  • Northeast: There are records of 14 skink species from the northeast of which 2 species are endemic.
• Conservation and Public Perception: One misconception is the unfounded fear that they are venomous. The authors hope to reduce unwarranted killings and promote conservation efforts by clarifying that skinks are harmless and primarily insectivorous.
• Conservation of the Endemic Species: These species are found in specific regions such as Barkud Island in Odisha and parts of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This emphasizes the ecological uniqueness of these areas. The need for targeted conservation measures is highlighted.

The Zoological Survey of India released a special report called ‘75 Endemic Birds of India’ during the celebration of 75 years of Independence under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Key findings of the Report were:-

1. India has a total of 1,353 bird species.
2. This is about 12.40% of all the bird species in the world.
3. Out of these, 78 species are endemic to India, i.e. not found anywhere else.
4. Concerning Discovery: Among the 78 endemic bird species in India, three have not been seen in recent decades. These include:
   • Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis), marked as 'Endangered'.
   • Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), marked as 'Critically Endangered'.
   • Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), also marked as 'Critically Endangered'.
5. Regions with the Highest Number of Endemic Species:
   1. The Western Ghats lead with 28 endemic bird species, including species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Ashambu Laughing Thrush, and the White-bellied Sholakili.
   2. The Eastern Himalayas host 4 unique bird species.
   3. The Southern Deccan plateau and central Indian forest each have 1 endemic bird species.
   4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands' Unique Birds: A significant number, 25 bird species, are endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Notable species include the Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Barn Owl.
6. Conservation Status: Out of the 78 endemic bird species in India, the report provides a detailed account of their conservation status as recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
   1. 25 species are classified as 'Threatened'.
   2. 3 species are listed as 'Critically Endangered'.
   3. 5 species are noted as 'Endangered'.
   4. 17 species are identified as 'Vulnerable'.
   5. 11 species are marked as 'Near Threatened'.

The Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) record-breaking discovery of 664 new species in 2022 underscores the incredible biodiversity within India's borders. This not only expands our scientific knowledge but also highlights the urgency of conservation efforts. The ZSI's multifaceted approach, encompassing exploration, identification, monitoring, and capacity building, is crucial for safeguarding this natural heritage.

ZSI's work can be further amplified through collaborations and technological advancements. Partnerships with universities, research institutions, and NGOs can create a robust knowledge-sharing network. Citizen science initiatives can engage the public in data collection and conservation efforts. Additionally, ZSI's continued adoption of advanced technologies like remote sensing, DNA barcoding, and environmental DNA analysis can revolutionize species identification, habitat monitoring, and threat assessment.