The Times of India reported on April 20, 2014, that experts at Zoological Society of London and the Yale University have concluded that 100 Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered species across the world are under threat from human activities. 15 out of the 100 species are from India.
According to Bittu Sahgal, editor, Sanctuary Asia, birds like Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard and Jerdon’s Courser are also important to the health of the forest as the Tiger is to the forests.
“India has displayed little regard for its grasslands these past decades and it is about time the nation stopped treating these life-saving ecosystems as wastelands”, Sahgal said.
Asad Rahmani, of the Bombay Natural History Society, said, there is a need to focus on precautions to preserve these birds, he said “BNHS has been working on the first 12 species, directly or in partnership with other organisations.
“Habitats such as grasslands and wetlands and the species inhabiting them have long been neglected in the conservation process in India.”
The Times of India wrote, “The study conducted by ZSL & Yale University has shortlisted hundred of the world’s most globally threatened species ranging from the ankle-high Spoon-billed Sandpiper to the prehistoric looking Greater Adjutant, which stands as tall as an adult human.
“EDGE birds represent millions of years of unique evolutionary history. These unique birds are today threatened with extinction.”