2024 Breaks Records in Faunal Discoveries
Kerala Dominates India’s Faunal Findings in 2024: India witnessed a remarkable rise in faunal documentation during 2024, with the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identifying 683 new species and subspecies. This figure marks the highest ever annual discovery since records began in 2008. Out of the total, 459 were species unknown globally, while 224 were recorded for the first time within Indian boundaries.
Static GK fact: The ZSI operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is responsible for cataloguing India’s animal diversity since its establishment in 1916.
Kerala Takes the Lead
With 101 newly identified species, Kerala emerged as the top contributor to India’s faunal discoveries in 2024. Of these, 80 species were entirely new to science. Other states with high counts included Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The southern region, in particular, showcased dominant biodiversity activity. On the other hand, regions like Delhi and Chandigarh reported minimal discoveries, reflecting regional biodiversity disparities.
Technology Boosts Taxonomic Research
ZSI attributed this sharp growth to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, particularly DNA sequencing and molecular taxonomy. These innovations have allowed for faster and more accurate species identification. Efforts are also underway to expand expert teams and promote international scientific partnerships for deeper biodiversity exploration.
Static GK Tip: DNA-based species identification helps differentiate closely related organisms using genetic signatures.
Attention Shifts to Fragile Ecosystems
The 2025 Animal Taxonomy Summit drew attention to the pressing need for focused assessments in northeast India and the eastern Himalayan belt, areas highly sensitive to ecological disruption. Proposals highlighted strategies to protect endemic species affected by rapid habitat degradation and changing climate patterns. Coastal biodiversity also came under review, with a plan to establish a dedicated marine species centre in Lakshadweep.
Static GK fact: Lakshadweep’s atoll formations are among India’s rarest and are prone to coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures.
Proposed Biodiversity Policy Shifts
A major recommendation from the summit was the creation of a central digital ecosystem to integrate field research, genetics, and community-sourced data. This system aims to support early detection of invasive species and monitor ecological shifts. Infrastructure development was also discussed, with experts calling for eco-sensitive solutions like wildlife underpasses and tree canopy bridges to reduce animal-road conflict.
Conservation Through Creative Naming
Among the newly described species was a Himachal Pradesh snake, named Anguiculus dicaprioi, a tribute to Leonardo DiCaprio for his commitment to environmental causes. Such names are becoming tools to link scientific discovery with public conservation awareness, highlighting the cultural impact of biodiversity protection.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kerala Dominates India’s Faunal Findings in 2024:
| Fact | Detail |
| Total species discovered in 2024 | 683 |
| Globally new species | 459 |
| New records for India | 224 |
| Top state in discoveries | Kerala (101 species) |
| Year ZSI was founded | 1916 |
| Region with most discoveries | Southern India |
| Summit focused ecosystem | Eastern Himalayas, Marine zones |
| New ZSI proposal | Marine Repository in Lakshadweep |
| Conservation feature proposed | Arboreal bridges, underpasses |
| Symbolically named species | Anguiculus dicaprioi (snake) |
