Botanists have discovered 33 global “dark spots” where thousands of unknown plant species may be waiting to be found, as per recent research findings. These areas, ranging from Madagascar to Bolivia, have been identified as regions of high plant diversity that require focused exploration. The study, published in the journal New Phytologist, aims to accelerate the identification process in order to protect these species from extinction.
According to the research led by Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens, there are over 100,000 plant species that are yet to be discovered, with the majority of them facing the risk of extinction. These unknown species could hold valuable information for future drug discoveries, fuels, and other innovations. Prof Alexandre Antonelli, the director of science at Kew, emphasized the importance of targeting conservation efforts based on accurate information to prevent species from disappearing before they are even known to science.
The identified dark spots are mostly located in Asia, with areas like Sumatra, the eastern Himalayas, Assam in India, and Vietnam in need of further exploration. In Africa, Madagascar and South Africa’s Cape provinces were highlighted, while Colombia, Peru, and south-eastern Brazil were identified in South America. These regions overlap with existing biodiversity hotspots that are rich in life but threatened by destruction.
Dr. Samuel Pironon, a biology lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and lead author of the research, emphasized the need for collaboration between research institutions and local communities in these areas with limited capacity for formal species identification. While the public is urged not to collect plant species themselves due to international laws and potential threats to survival, sharing photographs of plants on citizen science platforms like iNaturalist can aid in species identification and conservation efforts.
As governments prepare to meet at the Cop16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, next month, the focus will be on implementing targets to prevent further loss of biodiversity. The collaboration between scientists, citizens, and policymakers will be crucial in protecting these unknown plant species and preserving the rich diversity of life on Earth. Stay updated on the latest news and features in biodiversity by following reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield for more insights on the age of extinction.