India's Natural History Museum in Aizawl designated as 21st biological repository

India's Natural History Museum (NHM) in Aizawl, located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, has officially been recognized as the nation's 21st designated repository under the Biological Diversity Act. This designation, formalized on June 19 on the recommendation of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), empowers the museum to safeguard biological materials, including vital voucher specimens.

The NHM's role extends beyond mere storage; it will function as a legal registry for biological resources utilized in scientific research and commercial applications. Officials confirmed that the museum will meticulously maintain specimens of select flora, such as pteridophytes and macrofungi, alongside fauna including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, moths, beetles, and butterflies. Crucially, it will also serve as the designated depository for type specimens of newly discovered species originating from the region.

“

Designated repositories constitute an important component of India’s biodiversity governance framework and are mandated to keep in safe custody the biological material including voucher specimens deposited with them.

This initiative is expected to bolster species identification, enhance traceability, and advance scientific research. By preserving authenticated collections, the repository aims to safeguard India's rich biological resources for long-term conservation efforts. Furthermore, it will provide essential support for future ecological restoration projects, especially in the face of habitat loss, natural disasters, or species decline. The museum, established in 2022 under Mizoram University, already houses over 500 preserved specimens, including herbarium sheets, even before its official designation.

“

It will also serve as the designated depository for type specimens of newly discovered species from the region. These authenticated collections will strengthen species identification, traceability and scientific research while safeguarding India’s biological resources for long-term conservation.