NEW DELHI: Indian scientists have discovered 67 new animal species, including fishes, spiders and crop eating insects, and 29 plant species, including grass and flower varieties, last year.

“All these discoveries were made in 2007 and they are vital additions to the plant and animal science of India and the world,” said Ramakrishna, director of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

“Whenever we come across any new species, we bring them to the laboratories and match them with the present ones and if they are unique then we record them,” he said.

He said a majority of the new species have come from western and eastern ghats, Andaman Nicober Islands and northeastern states.

..................... According to ZSI, India is known to have over 7.35 percent of the animal species that the world holds. In absolute numbers, the country is home to 91,212 animal species including 61,151 insect varieties.

67 new species of animals and plants discovered in India...........

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