Unknown

Dataset Information

0

A return-on-investment approach for prioritization of rigorous taxonomic research needed to inform responses to the biodiversity crisis.


ABSTRACT: Global biodiversity loss is a profound consequence of human activity. Disturbingly, biodiversity loss is greater than realized because of the unknown number of undocumented species. Conservation fundamentally relies on taxonomic recognition of species, but only a fraction of biodiversity is described. Here, we provide a new quantitative approach for prioritizing rigorous taxonomic research for conservation. We implement this approach in a highly diverse vertebrate group-Australian lizards and snakes. Of 870 species assessed, we identified 282 (32.4%) with taxonomic uncertainty, of which 17.6% likely comprise undescribed species of conservation concern. We identify 24 species in need of immediate taxonomic attention to facilitate conservation. Using a broadly applicable return-on-investment framework, we demonstrate the importance of prioritizing the fundamental work of identifying species before they are lost.

SUBMITTER: Melville J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8168848 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC2212107 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7054832 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3486702 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7056268 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7126043 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8086735 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC11202755 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5407152 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3000263 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC3946124 | biostudies-other