India’s Biodiversity Boost in 2024: 683 Faunal and 433 Floral Species Added

A Year of Natural Discovery

In 2024, India made remarkable progress in biodiversity documentation by adding 683 new species to its fauna and 433 new taxa to its flora. These findings reflect India’s rich ecological diversity and the continuous scientific effort to catalogue it.

Out of the 683 faunal entries, 459 were newly discovered species, and 224 were new distribution records. Similarly, the 433 floral additions included 410 new species and 23 intraspecific taxa (variations within existing species).

These discoveries were formally announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Kolkata.

Region-Wise Contributions

The highest number of faunal discoveries came from Kerala with 101 discoveries (80 new species + 21 new records), followed by:

• Karnataka – 82 total (68 new species + 14 new records)

• Tamil Nadu – 63 total (50 new species + 13 records)

• Arunachal Pradesh – 72 (42 species + 30 new records)

• Meghalaya – 42 (25 species + 17 records)

• West Bengal – 56 (25 species + 31 records)

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 43 discoveries (hotspot region)

Floral discoveries were led by:

• Kerala – 58 taxa

• Maharashtra – 45 taxa

• Uttarakhand – 40 taxa

Types of Discoveries

India now documents 56,177 plant species, including:

• Angiosperms (flowering plants)

• Gymnosperms

• Pteridophytes (ferns)

• Bryophytes (mosses)

• Lichens, fungi, algae, and microbes

Out of the 433 plant discoveries for 2024:

• 154 were angiosperms

• 4 gymnosperms

• 15 bryophytes

• 63 lichens

• 156 fungi

• 32 algae

• 9 microbes

The Western Ghats and North-Eastern regions contributed 35% of total discoveries, reaffirming their status as biodiversity hotspots.

Noteworthy Species in 2024

Among faunal discoveries:

• Two new genera and 37 reptile species

• Five new amphibian species

Notable species include:

• Dravidoseps gowsami, a new genus

• Anguiculus dicaprioi, named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, from the Colubridae (snake) family

• Other species: Hylarana chozha, Coelogyne tripurensis

In flora, unique orchids like:

• Bulbophyllum gopalianum

• Gastrodia khasiica

• Gastrodia sirikitiae

were discovered, adding to India’s reputation for rare and endemic plant life.

Importance for UPSC Aspirants

This news is highly relevant for:

• GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology

• Prelims – Flora & Fauna, Biodiversity Hotspots

• Mains – Conservation efforts, role of scientific research

Understanding such updates reflects dynamic preparation and awareness of India’s ecological strengths and challenges.

MCQs 

1. How many faunal species were added to India’s list in 2024?
A. 433
B. 459
C. 683
D. 510
✅ Answer: C

2. Which state reported the highest number of floral discoveries in 2024?
A. Maharashtra
B. Kerala
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Uttarakhand
✅ Answer: B

3. What percentage of total species discovered came from the Western Ghats and North-East?
A. 25%
B. 40%
C. 35%
D. 50%
✅ Answer: C

4. Anguiculus dicaprioi is a member of which animal group?
A. Amphibians
B. Mammals
C. Birds
D. Reptiles
✅ Answer: D

5. Which Union Minister announced these discoveries?
A. Ashwini Vaishnaw
B. Bhupender Yadav
C. Pralhad Joshi
D. Nitin Gadkari
✅ Answer: B