India added 683 new species to her fauna in 2024, which included 459 new species and 224 types of new records. The Earth also added 433 taxa flora during the same period, which included 410 species and 23 infrared taxa plants.
Details of new discoveries and new records were published by the Minister of Trade Unions for the Environment and the Bhupender Yadav climate change in Calcutta on Monday, June 30, 2025).
The maximum number of new Fauna discoveries in 2024 was recorded from Kerala – with 101 species (80 new types and 21 new records) – followed by Karnataka – 82 (68 new species and 14 new records). Tamil Nadu recorded 63 discoveries with 50 new types and 13 new records.
In the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, ARUNACHAL PRADESH 72 of the discovery of animals (42 new types and 30 new records), Meghalaya 42 new discoveries (25 new types and 17 new records) and 56 new discoveries (25 new types and 31 new records). Andaman and Nicobar Islands, another biological hotspot in the country, recorded 43 new discoveries of the Fauna Fauna, which included 14 new Fauna discoveries and 29 new records.
As for plants’ discoveries, the highest number of discovered flora was from Kerala (58), followed by Maharashtra (45) and Uttarakhand (40). New plants for 2024 record 154 angiosperms, 4 pteridophytes, 15 gaps, 63 lichens, 156 fungi, 32 eyelashes and 9 microbes. Hotspot areas, such as Western Ghats and Northeast Regions, contributed 35% of overall discoveries. India has recorded and documented 56 177 plant species – angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, mesheofy, lichens, fungi and algae, etc.
Diversity of fauna
Regarding the diversity of fauna, the country recorded 1,05,244 species and subspecies including all forms of faunal life from protists to mammals.
The zoological survey of India (ZSI), the leading institution of the country for exploration and research, publishes animals every year and describes in detail the new Fauna discoveries. Similarly, botanical survey of India (BSI), a leading organization for research of plants and taxonomy, publishes plants every year and describes in detail new discoveries of flora.
Director of Dhriti Banerjee said that animals, 2024, not only showed the richness of Indian biodiversity, but also emphasized the basic role that systematic research and taxonomic expertise played while maintaining biodiversity and sustainable development.
“India, recognized as one of the 17 Megadivers countries around the world, occupies a major position in the ecological framework of our planet. Although it covers only 2.4% of the Earth’s field, the nation is home to approximately 8% of the world’s biological diversity.” She added.
Significant faunal discoveries for 2024 include two new family and 37 reptiles and five new amphibians. Among the significant discovery of reptiles was the Davidoseps Gouensis, belonging to the new family, and Anguiculus DiCaprioi is a member of the Colubridae family, named after the Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio.
“The discoveries of plants for 2024 include the wild relatives of many potential gardening, agricultural, medicinal and ornamental plants such as Begonia, Impatiens (Balsams), legumes, Zingibers, orchids, etc.
As far as flora is concerned, important discoveries include important orchid types such as Bulbophyllum Gopalianum, Coelogyne Tripurensis, Gastrodie Indica and Gastrodia sikkimensis. Several new species belonging to important plant groups such as legumes, zingers, grass, etc. were also discovered.
Published – June 30, 2025 22:01 is
