• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal’ containing details of 1,04,561 species chronicled by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists and researchers. 

• It was launched on the occasion of the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata on June 30.

• The minister said it was the first such comprehensive list in the world.

• The fauna checklist will be an invaluable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservation managers and policymakers.

• The document comprises 121 checklists of all known taxa, covering 36 phyla.

• Endemic, threatened and scheduled species have also been included in the list.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on July 1, 1916. 

• ZSI has its genesis in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1814-1875) and Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Kolkata. 

• It is currently functioning under MoEF&CC and dedicated for surveys, exploration and taxonomical studies of faunal communities since its inception. 

• ZSI headquarters is located in Kolkata and has 16 Regional Centres spread across the country. 

Primary objectives: 

• Exploration, survey, inventorisation and monitoring of faunal diversity in various states, some selected ecosystems and protected areas of India.

• Taxonomic studies of all faunal components.

• Status survey of threatened and endemic species.

• Preparation of Red Data Book, Fauna of India and Fauna of States.

• Bio-ecological studies on some important communities/species.

• Preparation of database for the recorded species of the country.

• Maintenance and development of national zoological collections.

• Training, capacity building and human resource development.

• Faunal identification, advisory services and library services.

• Publication of study-results, including documentation of Fauna of India and Fauna of States.

Secondary objectives:

• Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing studies for recorded animal diversity as well as for selected threatened species.

• Chromosomal mapping and DNA fingerprinting.

• Environmental impact studies.

• Maintenance of museums at headquarters and regional centres.

• Development of ENVIS and CITES Centres.

• Research Fellowship, Associateship and Emeritus Scientist Programme.

• Collaborative research programmes on biodiversity with other organisations.

• All India Coordinated Project on Taxonomy (AICOPTAX).

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