New bird species in North-East

Kolkata, January 22

A new bird species has been discovered in North-East and adjacent parts of China by a team of scientists from India, Sweden, China, US and Russia.

The bird, Himalayan Forest Thrush, has been distinguished as a separate species by researchers and the discovery has been published in the international Avian Research journal. This is only the fourth new bird species described from India by modern ornithologists since independence.

Himalayan Forest Thrush is common in eastern Himalaya and so far believed to be a sub-species of Plain-backed Thrush. “It’s a remarkable discovery and shows how much more we’ve to do in the field of ornithology in India. It also proves North-East is a treasure trove of biodiversity that needs protection from mega projects planned in Arunachal Pradesh without giving any attention to biodiversity conservation,” Asad Rahmani of Bombay Natural History Society said.

Scientifically named as “Zoothera salimalii”, this is the first Indian bird named after the late ‘father of Indian ornithology’ Dr Salim Ali. The bird has been named after him in recognition of his contributions to the development of modern Indian ornithology and wildlife conservation. — PTI