India Achieves Historic Milestone in Biodiversity Science: ZSI Completes Monumental National Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)

India has achieved a historic milestone in biodiversity science with the completion of the National Catalogue of Lepidoptera by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). This monumental work is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Papers 3 and 4, as it enhances understanding of biodiversity and conservation efforts. Last Updated: 04-08-2026

Key Facts About the National Catalogue of Lepidoptera

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) completed the Catalogue of Lepidoptera under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It took over 12 years of dedicated effort by taxonomists Dr. Navneet Singh and Dr. Rahul Joshi.
• The catalogue includes 13,703 species of butterflies and moths across 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 superfamilies.
• Indian Lepidoptera accounts for approximately 8.25% of all known species worldwide.
• The final volume was published in the international journal Zootaxa.
• India hosts 2,205 species of the Geometroidea superfamily, making it a global hotspot for these moths.

India's Role in Global Biodiversity Conservation

This catalogue positions India as a leader in biodiversity conservation, aligning with its strategic goals of ecological sustainability and environmental protection. By documenting its rich Lepidoptera diversity, India contributes significantly to global conservation efforts and ecological research, supporting sustainable development and climate change mitigation strategies.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Environment and Biodiversity - Understanding the significance of biodiversity catalogues in conservation efforts.
• GS Paper 4: Ethics and Environment - The ethical implications of biodiversity conservation.
• Prelims: Questions on the number of species, key taxonomic findings, and the role of ZSI.
• Mains: Analytical themes on biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecological balance.

FAQ Section

• What is the National Catalogue of Lepidoptera?
  The National Catalogue of Lepidoptera is a comprehensive inventory of butterflies and moths in India, completed by the Zoological Survey of India.
• Why is the Catalogue of Lepidoptera important?
  This catalogue is crucial for biodiversity conservation, providing a centralized reference for researchers and policymakers to study and protect these species.
• What are the key features of the catalogue?
  It includes 13,703 species, representing 8.25% of the world's known Lepidoptera, and highlights India's role as a global hotspot for Geometroidea moths.