India is host to 457 migratory fauna, shows latest CMS list

News: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) for the first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).

Facts:

• Globally, more than 650 species are listed under the CMS appendices
• The total number of migratory fauna from India is 457 species with birds comprising 83% (380 species) of this figure. Further, there are 46 migratory mammal species and 24 migratory fish species.

Additional Information: 

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) or the Bonn Convention

• It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). It acts as a framework convention and encourages its States Parties to conclude global or regional agreements.
• It was signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany, and entered into force in 1983
• Aim: conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats
• It is the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes.
• Appendices of CMS:

• Appendix I – Threatened Migratory Species
• Appendix II – Migratory Species requiring international cooperation
• Parties to the Convention: 129 parties including India

Zoological Survey of India

• It is an organization for zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration, and research of the fauna in India.
• It was established in 1916. It is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate.

Did you Know? India has three flyways (flight paths used by birds): the Central Asian flyway, East Asian flyway and East Asian–Australasian flyway.