Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was launched in 1916, so this year, it is celebrating its centenary year. It is India’s apex organization on animal taxonomy and has significantly contributed in knowledge on fauna of the country.

Important Facts

• Its genesis began as Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1814-1875) and Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Kolkata.
• Founder director of ZSI was Thomas Nelson Annadale, who joined the Indian Museum as a deputy superintendent and was later promoted to the position of the superintendent.
• Initially, the ZSI had eight regional centres across India. At present, it has 16 regional centres spread across the country. Its headquarters are at Kolkata.
• Due to its contribution, one member of the Zoological Survey of India is included in the teams that go for expeditions in Antarctica.

Objective

• To promote the survey, exploration, research and documentation on various aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks advancement of knowledge on animal taxonomy.
• It has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002

Activities

• Study of the fauna of states, of conservation areas, of important ecosystems. Status survey of endangered species, fauna of India and ecological Studies & Environmental impact assessments.
• ZSI publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983 and is similar to Red Data Book published by IUCN.