India has become the first nation to compile a comprehensive checklist of its fauna, encompassing an astounding 104,561 species. The first extensive list of animal species reported from India is now available on the Fauna of India Checklist Portal, marking a historic milestone in biodiversity documentation. This achievement was announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on June 30 during the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata. The launch of the "Fauna of India Checklist Portal" signifies a new era in the conservation and study of India's rich and diverse wildlife. It also underscores the nation's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Global champion in biodiversity conservation ~

Yadav declared, "India is a global champion in biodiversity conservation," citing the nation's dedication to environmental preservation, characterized by the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" program. This initiative, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first significant endeavors following his reelection, encourages citizens to plant and nurture trees in honor of their mothers. This step is expected to foster a deep personal connection to environmental responsibility.

Yadav also highlighted other government programs designed to protect biodiversity, such as the International Big Cat Alliance, which aims to safeguard the world's big cat populations through collaborative international efforts. He cited India's successful cheetah relocation project as an evidence of the nation's effective conservation strategies. This landmark project, which reintroduced cheetahs to India after decades of absence, has been hailed as a significant achievement in wildlife conservation, demonstrating India's capability and dedication to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.

(Source: Google Images) 

The thorough fauna inventory is crucial for many reasons.~

• Conservation & Protection: By listing every animal species that is known to exist in India, this list establishes a baseline for monitoring biodiversity changes and identifies vulnerable or endangered species that need special attention.
• Scientific research: To better comprehend India's vast ecological diversity and make judgments regarding the sustainable management of natural resources, scientists, researchers, and policymakers will find great value in the comprehensive inventory of the country's fauna.
• Global leadership: India is the first nation to compile a list as thorough as this at the national level for all of its wildlife. This places India at the forefront of biodiversity protection and documentation worldwide, serving as a role model for other nations.
• Planning and policy: The government will be able to create more efficient policies and programs for the conservation of wildlife, the preservation of habitat, and environmental management throughout India with the aid of the fauna checklist.

"Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man." ~ Stewart Udall