New global estimate of tree diversity suggests there are 9200 undiscovered species, but many will be rare and vulnerable
– could threaten many species before they are even formally described by researchers.
The researchers arrived at their findings by building on an existing global database of tree species, combining it with another data set of where trees occur and dividing the world into 100-kilometre-wide squares. They estimated the number of undiscovered species based on an approach that inferred more new species in areas known to have a high variety of species but low numbers of them, indicating that others were probably missed by surveys.
Why does it matter that we know how many species there are? Diversity is critical to forests’ ability to continue to provide resources and other services, from slowing climate change and mitigating flooding to being a source of timber and home to other flora and fauna, says Reich, so conserving them will be vital.
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