Mizoram’s Natural History Museum notified
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has officially designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) at Mizoram University, Aizawl, as a Designated Repository in accordance with Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002. This decision, prompted by the recommendation from the National Biodiversity Authority and thoroughly evaluated by the Central Government, was formalised on June 19, 2026, marking NHM as India's 21st Designated Repository.
This development is set to significantly enhance the country’s infrastructure for biodiversity conservation and scientific research.
Designated Repositories are integral to India’s biodiversity governance tasked with the preservation of authenticated biological specimens collected under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The NHM is responsible for maintaining voucher specimens encompassing various flora and fauna, including pteridophytes, macro fungi, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles and butterflies.
Moreover, it will act as the depository for type specimens of newly discovered species in the region. These collections are vital for species identification, traceability and supporting scientific research while ensuring long-term protection of India's biological resources.
They are also anticipated to bolster ecological restoration efforts in case of habitat loss or species decline.
Founded in 2022 under Mizoram University, a Central University established by parliamentary act, the NHM holds a unique position due to its location within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and its specialized taxonomic expertise. The region is home to over 7,500 species of flowering plants and more than 2,000 faunal species. The museum's focus on lesser-studied taxa such as pteridophytes and macrofungi fills an essential gap within India’s collection of Designated Repositories and enhances our understanding of the area's biodiversity.
Noteworthy is the repository's commitment to documenting endemic species, exemplified by the recent discovery of the amphibian Leptobrachella tamdil in Mizoram’s forests, highlighting the region’s global significance in biodiversity and species discovery.
Prior to its official designation, the NHM showcased its scientific capability by acquiring and maintaining over 500 specimens including herbarium sheets and wet-preserved collections. Its multidisciplinary team comprises experts from Mizoram University across seven specialized taxonomic groups, covering a diverse range of organisms from macro fungi to butterflies.
The designation of NHM ratifies the national network of Designated Repositories, facilitating closer preservation of biological specimens to their origin, thus enhancing scientific documentation, alleviating logistical issues and fostering collaboration with the Mizoram State Biodiversity Board and regional research entities.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of India’s National Biodiversity Target 4 within the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030), which emphasises ex situ conservation and preservation of genetic diversity, resonating with the goals outlined in the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.