A bird species from eastern Himalaya has been identified as a new species. A team of scientists from India, Sweden, China, US and Russia has described this species from northeastern India and adjacent parts of China as Himalayan Forest Thrush (Zoothera salimalii). This is the first Indian bird which has been named after late Dr Salim Ali.
At a time when natural habitats of wildlife and birds are shrinking, it is a rarity to find new bird species. According to Bombay History Natural Society (BHNS), Himalayan Forest Thrush is only the fourth new bird species described from India by modern ornithologists since Independence. An average of five new species has been discovered globally every year, mostly from South America, since 2000.
According to Dr Asad Rahmani, noted ornithologist , “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 northeastern India is a treasure trove of biodiversity that needs protection from the mega projects.”