Kerala has emerged as the top state in India for new faunal discoveries in 2024. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recorded a total of 683 new species and subspecies in the year, the highest since 2008 when systematic documentation began. This surge marks India’s rich biodiversity and the growing efforts to explore and protect it.
Record-Breaking Faunal Discoveries in 2024
In 2024, ZSI documented 683 species and subspecies. Of these, 459 are globally new to science, while 224 are new records for India. This surpasses previous highs of 662 in 2022 and 641 in 2023. Kerala led with 101 discoveries, followed by Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The southern states showed the highest number of new species. Northern and central urban regions recorded fewer discoveries.
Role of Zoological Survey of India
Founded in 1916, ZSI has recorded over 105,000 species and subspecies to date. The recent rise in discoveries is due to enhanced taxonomic research and advanced molecular methods. The organisation’s director, Dhriti Banerjee, credits systematic efforts and technology for this success. ZSI plans to expand its taxonomic capacity and collaborate internationally to accelerate biodiversity documentation.
Notable Discoveries and Honouring Environmentalists
Among the new species is a snake from Himachal Pradesh named Anguiculus dicaprioi, honouring Leonardo DiCaprio for his environmental activism. Such naming reflects the growing awareness of biodiversity conservation linked with global climate change and pollution issues.
Focus on Vulnerable Ecosystems
The Animal Taxonomy Summit 2025 emphasised the need for vulnerability assessments in the eastern Himalayas and northeast India. Recommendations include targeted conservation strategies and timely funding. The summit also urged the use of integrated biodiversity surveillance combining taxonomy, genetics, and community data for better policy decisions.
Conservation Measures and Infrastructure Mitigation
The report calls for scientifically designed wildlife mitigation structures like underpasses and arboreal bridges to maintain habitat connectivity and reduce roadkill. It also suggests creating a national stakeholder grid and a centralised digital platform for rapid response to invasive pests and conservation challenges.
Marine Biodiversity Initiatives
To protect marine ecosystems, ZSI proposed establishing a National Repository and Taxonomic Consortium for marine species. A new regional centre in Lakshadweep would focus on the unique atoll reef biodiversity and conservation needs. This reflects growing attention to marine fauna alongside terrestrial species.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of taxonomic research and molecular techniques in biodiversity conservation in India.
- Examine the impact of infrastructure development on wildlife habitats and suggest mitigation strategies to ensure ecological connectivity.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities in conserving biodiversity in the Himalayan and marine ecosystems of India.
- Estimate the significance of integrated biodiversity surveillance systems in shaping environmental policy and public health responses in India.
