SPECIES OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2016

A FEATHER FOR SALIM ALI

Phylum : Chordata

Class     : Aves

Order     : Passeriformes

Family   : Turdidae

Genus    :  Zoothera

Species  : Zoothera Salimalii

A new bird species, which is common in the eastern Himalayas but was overlooked till now, has been identified. A team of scientists from India, Sweden, China, US and Russia have described this specie from north-eastern India and adjacent parts of China as the Himalayan Forest Thrush.

Scientifically, the bird has been named 'Zoothera Salimalii'. According to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), this is the first Indian bird which has been named after eminent ornithologist Dr Salim Ali to recognise his contribution in the development of modern Indian ornithology and wildlife conservation.

Himalayan Forest Thrush is the fourth new bird species from India by modern ornithologist since Independence, claimed BNHS. It is a remarkable discovery and shows how much more we have to do in the field of ornithology in India. It also proves that north-eastern India is a treasure trove of biodiversity.

New bird species are rarely being spotted nowadays, given that most natural habitats are shrinking. Since 2000, an average of five new species was discovered globally every year, mostly from South America. The discovery claims that bird species needs protection from the mega projects that disrupt the environment.

Link to original paper: http://www.avianres.com