---
title: "Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): Role & Mandate"
description: "The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is India's apex faunal-survey body under MoEFCC, founded 1916. Learn its mandate, structure, and why UPSC GS3 covers it."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/zoological-survey-of-india"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Zoological Survey of India is the apex national organisation under the Environment Ministry responsible for surveying, documenting, and conserving India's faunal diversity.
- Which ministry does the Zoological Survey of India report to, and when was it founded?
- How does ZSI differ from the Botanical Survey of India and the Wildlife Institute of India?
- What is the statutory role of ZSI under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?
- What are ZSI's principal publications?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2024 the Zoological Survey of India released the first complete Fauna of India checklist, enumerating 1,04,561 known animal species and making India the first country to produce such a comprehensive national faunal inventory.

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