The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is set to mark its 110th Foundation Day on June 30 with a landmark collaboration with the Indian Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School under the Ministry of Defence. As part of this initiative, ZSI researchers will conduct a scientific study of edible wildlife in the remote regions of the northeastern Himalayas.
ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee announced the partnership during a press conference on Thursday, stating that the study will focus on identifying and documenting animal species with high nutritional value that are consumed in the region. The research aims to support sustainable living practices and enhance food security in high-altitude, insurgency-prone areas.
In addition to the MoU with the Army, ZSI will also sign an agreement with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to strengthen global conservation efforts. The Foundation Day event will be attended by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who will inaugurate the Animal Taxonomy Summit-2025.
The three-day summit, from July 1 to July 3, will bring together over 500 delegates from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Ghana. The event will feature 22 keynote lectures and 170 poster presentations focusing on taxonomy, systematics, and biodiversity conservation. The summit will conclude with actionable recommendations to be submitted to the Government of India.
The celebrations will also include the release of Animal Discoveries-2024, documenting over 600 new species added to Indian and global faunal records, along with Plant Discoveries-2024 and Faunal Diversity of Eastern Ghats. An updated version of the Checklist of Fauna of India, listing 105,244 species and subspecies—from protists to mammals—will also be unveiled. The checklist has been curated by Dr. Banerjee and a team of 185 experts, with special emphasis on insect biodiversity.
As part of the Foundation Day activities, ZSI will host the finale of a 110-hour Hackathon on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change. From 205 participating teams across 16 regional centers, the top five will compete by presenting innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges.
The festivities will conclude with a cultural programme aimed at engaging the public and raising awareness about India’s rich biodiversity and the urgent need for its preservation.
