Today, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) celebrated its 110th Foundation Day, with the observance of ZSI Day. Following this celebration, the organization will host the Animal Taxonomy Summit–2025, scheduled from July 1st to July 3rd, 2025. The Honorable Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, presided over the event as the Chief Guest and officially inaugurated the Animal Taxonomy Summit–2025 on the afternoon of June 30, 2025.
Established in 1916, the Zoological Survey of India, headquartered in Kolkata, functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. As the premier institution for faunal exploration and research in India, ZSI has played a vital role in advancing taxonomic knowledge, contributing significantly to the understanding of India’s rich biodiversity and supporting global scientific endeavours. On the forenoon of 30th June 2025, the Grand Finale of 110-Hour Hackathon on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change has been concluded. Team from Ladakh University, Leh, a team selected from High Altitude Regional Centre, Solan, Himachal Pradesh got the first prize of Rs. One Lac, whereas team from St. Antony College, Shilong, Meghalaya, the team selected from North East Regional Centre, Shillong stood at second position and got a prize of Rs. 75000/- and a team from Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisa, a team selected from Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre, Digha stood at third position and received an amount of Rs. 50,000/- as the third prize.
To commemorate the 110th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), a 110-Hour Hackathon on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change has been organized by ZSI. Conducted simultaneously across its 16 Regional Centres, the event brought together students, researchers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds to collaboratively develop innovative solutions and ideas addressing critical issues related to biodiversity preservation and the impacts of climate change. This nationwide initiative aimed to foster scientific thinking, technological innovation, and collaborative approaches to environmental conservation, aligning with ZSI’s long-standing mission of studying and protecting India’s rich zoological diversity. A total of 205 teams registered to participate, while 105 teams presented their innovative projects during the Regional Level-1 competition at the regional center level. The team that ranked first from each of the 16 Regional Centres of ZSI was chosen to compete in the National Level-1 competition, which was held at ZSI/WRC in Pune. From this event, the top five teams were selected for the Grand Finale. A National Workshop on Documentation of Traditional Knowledge System in Wildlife Conservation has been organized as a post lunch session. In which six talks were presented on the relevant topics related to the ‘Traditional Knowledge System in Wildlife Conservation’, followed by an open house discussion.
During the occasion of ZSI Day, the Hon’ble Union Minister released the iconic publication of ZSI i.e. Animal Discoveries– 2024, comprising 683 new discoveries published by the scientists, faculties and researchers from India which includes 459 new species and 224 species newly recorded from India. This Animal Discovery reveals that maximum new discoveries are recorded from Kerala- 101 (80 new species; 21 new records) followed by Karnataka- 82 (68; 14); Arunachal Pradesh- 72 (42; 30); Tamil Nadu- 63 (50; 13); West Bengal- 56 (25; 31); Andaman & Nicobar Islands- 43 (14; 29); Meghalaya- 42 (25; 17); Uttarakhand – 31 (17; 14). The lowest number of species are reported from Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana and Telangana. In general, the highest number of species are reported from the southern part of India. Zoological Survey of India New Other important releases are- Plant Discoveries -2024 (410 species 23 infra-specific taxa of plants. 245 taxa new to science and 188 taxa are new records) Abstract Book: Animal Taxonomy Summit 2025 (English & Hindi) Records of the Zoological Survey of India (Special Issue: ATS 2025) Faunal Diversity of Eastern Ghats Faunal Diversity of Chilika Lake Morphology, Molecular taxonomy and Bionomics of Forensic Flies (Insecta: Diptera) across the different geo-climatic regions of West Bengal The Fauna of India- Hymenoptera: Vespidae (Solitary wasps) Aquatic Biodiversity Hotspots in the Northeastern Region of India Standardization of Scientific Freshwater Fish Sampling Methods ZSI unveiled Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India during the 110th ZSI Day celebrations. This updated compilation, building upon decades of research and the initial version released in July 2024, meticulously details 105,244 species and subspecies. The checklist spans 121 taxon-specific inventories, encompassing all forms of life from Protists to Mammals. This monumental undertaking, spearheaded by Dr. Dhriti Banerjee and a collaborative team of over 185 experts, underscores the ongoing commitment to taxonomic accuracy. It integrates continuous updates, incorporates newly discovered species, and meticulously records distribution patterns, thereby affirming India’s rich faunal heritage. Notably, insects, particularly beetles, moths, flies and bees, exhibit the highest diversity within the checklist, while fishes lead among vertebrates. The ZSI intends to annually update this comprehensive checklist and is actively developing an online catalogue. These initiatives will ensure its enduring relevance and accessibility for researchers, policymakers, and the general public alike.
On the occasion of ZSI Day 2025, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) formalized two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School: An MoU signed with the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, operating under the Army Training Command on behalf of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Indian Army). This collaboration will focus on research concerning edible animals and medically important animals Himalayan regions. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN): A second MoU signed with the IUCN, a global leader in conservation efforts. This initiative of developing a National Red Listing of Indian Flora and Fauna has been institutionalized with collaboration and synergy between IUCN Country Office in India, the Wildlife Trust of India and the BSI and ZSI. Following these formal proceedings, a cultural program was presented. This program aimed to underscore critical environmental issues and highlighted the ZSI’s ongoing initiatives to engage with the public on matters of conservation and biodiversity.
Animal Taxonomy Summit–2025 is the third summit being organised by ZSI in consequent years. During the summit, deliberations will be held under three broad themes, 1) Taxonomy, 2) Systematics, and 3) Faunal Diversity and Conservation. More than 500 delegates from five countries, including University of Ghana, Denmark, United States of America, United Kingdom etc. will participate in ATS 2025. The three days ATS 2025 will witness 22 lead lectures by eminent speakers/ experts from India as well as abroad and 170 poster presentations. The summit will be concluded on 3rd July 2025. The recommendations of the summit will be conveyed to the Government of India.
