Zoological Survey of India Collaborates with Army for Edible Wildlife Study in Northeast Himalayas

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is preparing to celebrate its 110th Foundation Day on June 30, highlighting a significant partnership with the Indian Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School under the Ministry of Defence. This collaboration will see ZSI researchers conducting a scientific exploration of edible wildlife in the northeastern Himalayan regions.

During a press briefing on Thursday, ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee revealed that the study aims to identify and document animal species with high nutritional value that are consumed in these areas. The objective of this research is to promote sustainable living and enhance food security in high-altitude, insurgency-prone zones.

Apart from the agreement with the Army, ZSI will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to bolster international conservation efforts. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is expected to attend the Foundation Day event and will inaugurate the Animal Taxonomy Summit-2025.

The summit, scheduled from July 1 to July 3, will gather over 500 participants from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Ghana. It will feature 22 keynote addresses and 170 poster presentations centered on taxonomy, systematics, and biodiversity conservation. The summit aims to conclude with practical recommendations for submission to the Government of India.

The event will also witness the release of Animal Discoveries-2024, which records over 600 new species added to both Indian and global faunal lists, along with Plant Discoveries-2024 and Faunal Diversity of Eastern Ghats. An updated edition of the Checklist of Fauna of India, listing 105,244 species and subspecies ranging from protists to mammals, will be unveiled. This checklist was compiled by Dr. Banerjee and a team of 185 experts, with a focus on insect biodiversity.

As part of the Foundation Day activities, ZSI will host the final round of a 110-hour Hackathon on Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change. From 205 competing teams across 16 regional centers, the top five will present innovative solutions to critical ecological issues.

The celebrations will wrap up with a cultural program designed to engage the public and raise awareness about India’s rich biodiversity and the critical need for its preservation.