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1 July 2026

Zoological and Botanical Survey of India annual discoveries

The annual reports of the Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India are official government publications that serve as key indicators of India's biodiversity status, making them relevant for questions on environmental governance and statutory bodies.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • In 2025, India added 709 new species to its fauna (483 new to science, 226 new records) and 353 taxa to its flora (221 new to science, 132 new records).
  • Total Indian faunal biodiversity now stands at 1,05,953 species.
  • Kerala recorded the highest number of new faunal species (98), followed by West Bengal (76), Karnataka (67), and Arunachal Pradesh (65).
  • Arunachal Pradesh led in floral discoveries (49), followed by Uttarakhand (39) and Kerala (37).
  • Major faunal additions included Hymenoptera (106), Lepidoptera (65), Diptera (64), Arachnida (64), Coleoptera (55), and Pisces (50).
  • Notable faunal discoveries: Myotis himalaicus (Himalayan bat), Ptyctolaemus mamdaphaensis and Ptyctolaemus siangensis (green fan-throated lizards), and Lycodon irwini (Irwin’s wolf snake).
  • Floral discoveries included 154 angiosperms, 62 lichens, 93 fungi, 22 algae, 13 bryophytes, six microbes, and three pteridophytes.
  • Approximately 43% of newly described floral taxa belong to vascular plants, including wild relatives of Begonia, Impatiens, legumes, and orchids.

Questions

  1. The annual documentation of new species by the Zoological and Botanical Surveys of India highlights the country's status as a mega-diverse nation. Discuss the significance of such taxonomic research in the context of biodiversity conservation and ecological management in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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  2. India's rich biodiversity is a critical national asset, yet it faces significant threats from habitat loss and climate change. Analyze the role of scientific surveys in mapping India's biological wealth and explain how this data informs policy-making for sustainable development and environmental protection. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which state recorded the highest number of new faunal species discoveries in 2025 according to the Zoological Survey of India?

  2. Which of the following animal groups contributed the highest number of additions to India's faunal database in 2025?

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Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-01/zoological-and-botanical-survey-of-india-annual-discoveries