Kerala: India’s Premier Biodiversity Discovery Hub

Main Discoveries

The ‘Animal Discoveries: New Species and New Records 2024 Report’ by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) indicates that 683 species and subspecies were identified throughout India in 2024 (641 in 2023).

It is the largest amount recorded in a single year since official records started in 2008.

Out of these, 459 are newly registered globally, whereas 224 are new records for India.

Kerala recorded 101 species — comprising 80 new to science and 21 newly documented in India, followed by Karnataka (82), Arunachal Pradesh (72), and Tamil Nadu (63).

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

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, historically viewed as a hub of unique wildlife, added 43 new faunal entries to the national register, comprising 14 new species and 29 new records.

Additional Significant Findings

A snake species found in Himachal Pradesh, called Anguiculus Dicaprioi, pays tribute to actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his efforts in promoting climate and biodiversity advocacy.

Additional herpetological highlights consist of two novel genera; 37 reptile species; and five amphibians, with one indicating a new genus.

Botanical (Flora)

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) announced 433 new plant taxa, with Kerala once more topping the list at 58 findings. This comprises 154 flowering plants; 63 lichens; 156 fungal species; 32 algal varieties; and 9 microbial organisms.

India's total recorded plant species currently totals 56,177, strengthening its position as a global biodiversity hotspot.

What Makes Kerala Unique?

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

Focused area assessments;

Sophisticated molecular methods such as DNA barcoding;

Organized classification initiatives by ZSI researchers