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New species discovered

1st July, 2024

New species discovered

Source: The Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • In 2023, India discovered 641 new species, including new plants and animals. The Environment Ministry launched the 'Fauna of India Checklist Portal.'

Details

Key Points

  • Discovery of 641 new species and 339 taxa of plants in India in 2023.
  • Kerala and West Bengal lead in new fauna and plant discoveries, respectively.
  • Launch of the 'Fauna of India Checklist Portal' by the Environment Ministry.
  • Significant contributions from Western Ghats and North Eastern regions in new discoveries.

About Curcuma Kakchingense:

  • Discovery:
    • A new species of turmeric discovered in Kakching, Manipur.
  • Significance:
    • Adds to the diversity of turmeric species in India.
  • Potential:
    • Possible applications in horticulture and agriculture due to unique properties.

About Asystasia venui:

  • Discovery:
    • A flowering plant discovered in the Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, West Bengal.
  • Significance:
    • Represents the rich botanical diversity of the region.
  • Potential:
    • May have ornamental and medicinal

About Botanical Survey of India:

  • Institution:
    • Premier institution working on plant taxonomy for about 120 years.
  • Publications:
    • Released the annual 'Plant Discoveries 2023' detailing new plant species.
  • Role:
    • Essential in documenting and conserving India’s botanical diversity.

New species discovered

Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about new species discovered in India in 2023:

1.Curcuma Kakchingense is a new species of turmeric discovered in Manipur.

2.Asystasia venui is a flowering plant discovered in Kerala.

3.Kerala recorded the highest number of new fauna discoveries.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: c)