Syllabus

GS 3: Environment

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Kerala has topped the list of states in India for new animal species discoveries, as per a recent report by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

More on the News 

• During its 110th anniversary celebrations in Kolkata, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released its 2024 report “Animal Discoveries: New Species and New Records”.
• The new report includes details of 1,05,244 species and subspecies documented by ZSI scientists since its establishment in 1916.

Key Highlights from the report

• According to the ZSI report, out of 683 species recorded in 2024, 459 are completely new to science and 224 are new records for India. 
• This is higher than the 662 species recorded in 2022 and 641 in 2023.
• Kerala recorded the highest number of discoveries with 101 species (80 new and 21 new records) followed by Karnataka (82), Arunachal Pradesh (72), Tamil Nadu (63), West Bengal (56), Andaman & Nicobar Islands (43), Meghalaya (42), and Uttarakhand (31).
• The report noted that the least number of species were recorded from Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana and Telangana while most discoveries came from southern India.
• The number of new species discoveries has been rising each year since 2022.
• Year-wise data before 2008 is not available but ZSI scientists say discoveries were much fewer in earlier decades due to limited surveys and lack of advanced technology.
• This success is due to detailed taxonomic research and modern molecular techniques, despite India’s high population putting pressure on biodiversity.
• One of the new species is a snake from Himachal Pradesh named Anguiculus dicaprioi, in honour of actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his work in raising awareness on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution-related health issues.

Focus on Himalayas and marine ecosystems

• At the end of the Animal Taxonomy Summit 2025 experts proposed detailed vulnerability and risk assessments for endemic animal species in the eastern Himalayas and northeast India, along with specific conservation strategies.
• The report also recommended timely release of funds and better use of ZSI’s resources and expertise.
• The recommendations called for setting up integrated biodiversity monitoring systems combining taxonomy, conservation genetics and community data to help in quick policy decisions and public health measures.
• They suggested creating a national stakeholder network and a central digital platform for quick reporting and coordinated action against invasive insect pests.
• The report stressed the need for scientifically designed underpasses, overpasses, tunnels, and tree bridges to maintain habitat connectivity and reduce wildlife road kills caused by infrastructure projects.
• Marine proposals included setting up a National Repository and Taxonomic Consortium for marine species, and creating a ZSI regional centre in Lakshadweep to focus on its unique atoll reef biodiversity and conservation needs.

About Zoological Survey of India

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is India's premier zoological research institution, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 
• Established on 1 July 1916, its roots go back to the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum in Kolkata (1875).
• It is a national centre for faunistic survey and exploration of the resources leading to the advancement of knowledge on the exceptionally rich faunal diversity of the country.
• Its headquarters is in Kolkata, with 16 regional offices across different parts of India.

Source :

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/kerala-emerges-as-indias-top-biodiversity-discovery-hotspot