Kerala: Recognized as India’s Premier Biodiversity Discovery Hub

Principal Discoveries

The 'Animal Discoveries: New Species and New Records 2024 Report' from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) states that 683 species and subspecies were identified in India in 2024 (compared to 641 in 2023).

It marks the highest total recorded in a single year since official records started in 2008.

Out of these, 459 are new worldwide, whereas 224 are fresh records for India.

Kerala had 101 species, comprising 80 that are new to science and 21 newly documented in India, with Karnataka next at 82, Arunachal Pradesh at 72, and Tamil Nadu at 63.

Arunachal Pradesh recorded 72 findings, Meghalaya had 42, and West Bengal noted 56.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, historically seen as a home for unique wildlife, added 43 new entries to the national register, comprising 14 new species and 29 new records.

Additional Significant Findings

A snake species called Anguiculus Dicaprioi from Himachal Pradesh, in honor of actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his efforts in climate and biodiversity advocacy.

Additional Herpetological features consist of two new genera, 37 reptile species, and five amphibian species, with one belonging to a new genus.

Plant Life (Flora)

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) announced 433 new plant taxa, with Kerala once more at the forefront with 58 findings. This consists of 154 angiosperms, 63 lichens, 156 fungi, 32 algae, and 9 microbial species.

India now has a total of 56,177 recorded plant species, solidifying its reputation as a global biodiversity hotspot.

What Makes Kerala Unique?

Kerala’s diverse ecosystems — extending from the Western Ghats to coastal wetlands and tropical rainforests — position it as an ideal site for biodiversity studies. The state's achievements are linked to:

Focused area assessments;

Sophisticated molecular methods such as DNA barcoding;

ZSI researchers methodically classify organisms.