India's Leading Biodiversity Discovery Destination Recognised as Kerala

India's Biodiversity Hotspots: Kerala Tops the List with 101 Discoveries in 2024

In a remarkable year for biodiversity discoveries, India saw an unprecedented surge, with 683 species and subspecies identified in 2024. Among the states, Kerala emerged as the top biodiversity hotspot, accounting for 101 discoveries, according to the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Dr. Emily Greenfield, an esteemed environmentalist with over 30 years of experience, highlighted the importance of these discoveries. She emphasised that these findings not only expand our understanding of the natural world but also contribute significantly to habitat preservation and policy-making.

Kerala's top position can be attributed to its rich ecosystems, particularly the Western Ghats region, which is home to a significant number of endemic species and diverse ecosystems. The state discovered 80 new species and 21 new records in 2024 alone. One of the notable finds was the Himachal Pradesh snake, Anguiculus dicaprioi, named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio in recognition of his support for biodiversity conservation and climate change initiatives.

The naming of iconic species after celebrities or influential figures can increase public interest and research funding. In the case of Anguiculus dicaprioi, it has encouraged public interaction with the species and increased biodiversity funding and awareness.

Other states with high biodiversity discoveries include Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Meghalaya, and Uttarakhand. A significant portion of discoveries, 35%, come from the Northeast and Western Ghats regions.

However, the ZSI faces challenges in addressing these discoveries. The pressure from India's 1.4 billion people and the demand for additional taxonomists are obstacles. To overcome these challenges, the ZSI plans to increase taxonomic capacity, create specialized groups for understudied taxa, and collaborate with other countries to improve conservation measures.

The ZSI's efforts are crucial, as they have documented a total of 1,05,244 species and subspecies since its establishment in 1916. Advanced techniques such as DNA barcoding and genetic sequencing have been crucial in the recent surge of faunal discoveries.

The revitalisation of water bodies, like under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, might be repeated to support these ecosystems. Community support can also be raised through public awareness campaigns that draw inspiration from species like Anguiculus dicaprioi.

In conclusion, the 2024 discoveries highlight the importance of preserving India's biodiversity hotspots. With continued efforts from organisations like the ZSI and community support, we can ensure the survival of these unique species for future generations.