Why in the news?
The Delhi Bird Atlas released on 5 June 2026 documented bird distribution and abundance across Delhi for the first time and stated that Delhi ranks second among world capitals in bird diversity after Nairobi.
Bird Diversity in Delhi
- Total bird species recorded in Delhi: 471 species.
- Additional: 22 species not re-recorded since 1975.
- First-year survey findings:
- 221 species recorded.
- 200 species in winter.
- 152 species in summer.
Categories
- 126 resident species.
- 81 winter migrants.
- 14 summer migrants.
Why Delhi Has High Bird Diversity
- Northern edge of the Aravalli Range.
- Presence of:
- Yamuna River floodplains.
- Sahibi floodplains.
- Wetlands and urban green spaces.
- Proximity to: Western Himalayas.
- Located near: Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
What is the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?
- Major migratory bird route stretching from: Arctic region to the Indian Ocean.
- Covers:
- Central Asia
- South Asia.
- Important for migratory waterbirds and shorebirds.
- India lies at the heart of this flyway.
[2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
(b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been invasive species and have not been introduced in this region.
(d) It has less human interference.