Zoological Survey of India & Animal Taxonomy Summit

Why in News

The 4th Animal Taxonomy Summit — ATS 4.0 was organised during the:

111th Foundation Day of Zoological Survey of India

Key Figures

New faunal records:

709

Plant Discoveries 2025 added:

353 taxa

Important Institutions

Zoological Survey of India — ZSI

Associated with India's:

Faunal diversity

Botanical Survey of India — BSI

Associated with:

Floral diversity

Important Publications

• Animal Discoveries 2025

• Plant Discoveries 2025

Digital Tools Released

• Fauna of India Checklist Version 3.0

• PaleoIndia Portal

UPSC Concept: Taxonomy

Taxonomy involves:

Identification + Naming + Classification of organisms

Why Taxonomy Matters

Without identifying species, policymakers cannot accurately determine:

• What species exist

• Where they occur

• Their conservation status

• Threats to biodiversity

Therefore:

Taxonomy → Biodiversity knowledge → Conservation policy

GS Link

GS III: Biodiversity, Environment