ZSI to record climate change impact on animals
The Zoological Survey of India has started five long-term
monitoring plots in the Himalayas to document the impact of climate change on
the animal world.
Key facts:
- The project is funded by the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- It will monitor indicators in species like fish, butterflies, bees and other insects to find out how their distribution has been affected by climate change.
- ZSI will compare the distribution of species in the past and present to come out with a study report on the impact of climate change on their survival.
- The project will run for three years in West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and more than Rs. 2 crore has been earmarked for the exercise.
About ZSI:
Established in 1961, it is a premier organisation in zoological
research and studies. It was established to promote the survey, exploration and
research of the fauna in the region.
- The activities of the ZSI are coordinated by the Conservation and Survey Division in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
Main objectives:
- Exploration and Survey of Faunal Resources.
- Taxonomic Studies.
- Status Survey of Endangered Species.
- Publication of Results through Departmental Journals.
- Publication of Fauna of India.
- Maintenance and Development of National Zoological Collections.
Red Data Book:
- Similar to the Red Data Book produced by IUCN, ZSI also releases a Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983.
The ZSI also participates in the Indian Antarctic Program, since
its inception in 1989.
