Renowned Taxonomist Dr. Navnee

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Renowned Taxonomist Dr. Navneet Singh of ZSI Honoured with Prestigious Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan Award for 2024-25

The Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan Foundation, in association with the Entomological Society of India, has awarded the prestigious Professor T.N. Ananthakrishnan Award for Senior Scientist 2024-25 to Dr. Navneet Singh, a distinguished Lepidoptera taxonomist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata.

The award was presented today during the National Dialogue on "Insects in Health, Agriculture and Environment" held in Bengaluru. This honour, established in memory of the late pioneer of Indian Entomology, Professor T.N. Ananthakrishnan (1925-2015), recognizes scientists who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and made significant contributions to entomological research within India.

A Legacy of Discovery and Conservation

Dr. Singh is widely recognized for his monumental work in classical taxonomy and the ecological study of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). Since 2010, his research has fundamentally reshaped the understanding of India’s biodiversity. His achievements include:

The description of one new superfamily and family.

The identification of 20 new genera and 191 new species.

The publication of 230 scholarly papers and 5 monographs.

Authoring the pioneering book, An Illustrated Guide to the Lepidoptera of India, which catalogues 101 families.

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Singh’s monumental contributions,” said Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India. “His work provides a critical foundation for biodiversity conservation and highlights the essential role of taxonomy in modern science.”

Unlocking the Secrets of Nighttime Pollination

Beyond classification, Dr. Singh’s recent research has shifted the focus toward the vital ecological role of moths. His innovative studies have identified 91 species of settling moths and 16 species of hawk moths as critical pollinators.

His findings reveal that 37 specific moth species are instrumental in transporting pollen for eleven economically significant plant species, including those responsible for the fruits, vegetables, and fibres we rely on daily. This research provides a roadmap for farmers to protect specific moth habitats, ensuring a "nighttime layer" of pollination that safeguards the food supply even as daytime pollinators face global declines.

Digital Innovation in Biodiversity

Dr. Singh has also led the effort to digitize India’s natural heritage. He successfully developed an online checklist of 13,124 species hosted on the official ZSI website, with a comprehensive physical catalogue currently in the publication process. This digital resource serves as a vital tool for researchers and conservationists worldwide.

About the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): The ZSI is a premier Indian organization in zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration, and research of the exceptional fauna in the country.