The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is gearing up to celebrate its 110th Foundation Day on June 30, marking the occasion with a groundbreaking partnership with the Indian Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School under the Ministry of Defence. This collaboration will lead to a scientific investigation focused on the edible wildlife in the remote areas of the northeastern Himalayas.
During a press conference held on Thursday, ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee detailed the goals of the study, which will aim to identify and document animal species that possess high nutritional value and are consumed in these regions. The research initiative is designed to promote sustainable living practices and improve food security in high-altitude areas that are often affected by insurgency.
In addition to this memorandum of understanding with the Army, ZSI plans to sign an agreement with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to bolster international conservation efforts. The Foundation Day celebrations will be further highlighted by the presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who is slated to inaugurate the upcoming Animal Taxonomy Summit-2025.
The three-day summit, scheduled from July 1 to July 3, is set to attract over 500 delegates from diverse countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Ghana. This event will feature 22 keynote lectures and 170 poster presentations centered on taxonomy, systematics, and biodiversity conservation, culminating in actionable recommendations for the Government of India.
Celebratory activities will include the release of Animal Discoveries-2024, which highlights over 600 newly identified species that enhance both Indian and global faunal records. Additional publications will include Plant Discoveries-2024 and the Faunal Diversity of Eastern Ghats. An updated version of the Checklist of Fauna of India, cataloging 105,244 species and subspecies—from protists to mammals—will also be unveiled. This comprehensive checklist has been meticulously curated by Dr. Banerjee, along with a dedicated team of 185 experts, with a particular focus on insect biodiversity.
In alignment with the Foundation Day festivities, ZSI will also conduct the finale of a 110-hour Hackathon focused on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change. From among 205 participating teams across 16 regional centers, the top five teams will compete by presenting innovative solutions to urgent ecological challenges.
The celebration will conclude with a cultural program aimed at both engaging the public and raising awareness about India’s rich biodiversity and the critical need for its preservation.
