Six new migratory species were added to the wildlife list put out by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). With new addition, the total number of migratory fauna from India comes to 457 species.
Birds comprise 83% (380 species) of this figure.
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) had for the first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under the CMS before the Conference of Parties (COP 13) held in Gandhinagar recently. It had put the number at 451.
With the addition of the Asian elephant, great Indian bustard, Bengal florican, oceanic white-tip shark, urial and smooth hammerhead shark, the number of migratory fauna has increased to 457.
The Asian elephant, great Indian bustard, Bengal florican were added to Appendix I and the urial to Appendix II.
Globally, more than 650 species are listed under the CMS appendices and India, with over 450 species, plays a very important role in their conservation.
Among the species, the bird family Muscicapidae has the highest number in the migratory species list.
Three bird flyways: India has three bird flyways: the Central Asian flyway, East Asian flyway and East Asian–Australasian flyway.
44 migratory mammal species: The estimate of 44 migratory mammal species in India has risen to 46 after COP 13.
The largest group of mammals is definitely bats belonging to the family Vespertilionidae. Dolphins are the second highest group of mammals with nine migratory species of dolphins listed.
Seven reptiles, which include five species of turtles and the Indian gharial and salt water crocodile, are among the CMS species found in India. There was no addition to the reptiles list. (Source: The Hindu)
