India added 709 animal species to its national faunal database in 2025

India added 709 animal species to its national faunal database in 2025, the highest number recorded in a single year since systematic documentation began, according to the Zoological Survey of India.

• The findings were released in the report “Animal Discoveries: New Species, New Records” during the 111th Foundation Day celebrations of the Zoological Survey of India.
• Of the 709 additions: 483 species were new to science. 226 species were recorded in India for the first time.
• With these additions, India’s documented faunal diversity has increased to 105,953 species and subspecies.
• The report states that India’s faunal diversity accounts for approximately 5.3% of the world’s recorded animal species (1,679,523 species).

Key Highlights

• Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants and sawflies) recorded the highest number of additions with 106 species.
• Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) accounted for 65 species.
• Diptera (flies and mosquitoes) contributed 64 species.
• Arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites) also accounted for 64 new records.
• The report highlights that insects, especially beetles, moths and bees, constitute the largest share of India’s faunal diversity, while fishes are the most diverse group among vertebrates.

• Kerala recorded the highest number of new animal species in 2025 with 98 additions, retaining its top position from 2024.
• West Bengal ranked second with 76 species.
• Karnataka recorded 67 species.
• Arunachal Pradesh reported 65 species.

Source: DTE

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