Exploring the uncharted: Earth’s hidden species and the fight for their survival

Exploring the uncharted: Earth's hidden species and the fight for their survival

Have you ever wondered about the incredible diversity of life on our planet? From the smallest microscopic organisms to the largest mammals, the number of animal species on Earth is truly astounding. Yet scientists agree that there are literally millions of species that have yet to be discovered. Here’s a closer look at how many known species there exist, and how this figure continues to evolve.

Animal species: a remarkable diversity

According to estimates by scientists, there are around 8.7 million different species living on our planet. Astonishingly, only approximately 1.2 million have been described and cataloged. This leaves a vast number of species, about 7.5 million, that we know nothing about, largely due to the fact that some areas, particularly oceans and rainforests, remain largely unexplored. Most of these unknown species are believed to be insects and microorganisms. The significant number of undescribed species, however, doesn’t man that new mammal species aren’t being discovered. In fact, 408 new mammal species were discovered between 1993 to 2020.

Species in danger

Regrettably, many species are facing significant threats and are on the brink of extinction. It’s estimated that as many as 35,000 species of animals and plants are currently threatened, representing 28% of the species assessed. This includes 41% of amphibian species, 26% of mammal species and 34% of conifer species. Deforestation, climate change and illegal hunting are among the main threats to these vulnerable animal species. It’s crucial that we double our efforts to protect these at-risk species and their habitats, for the well-being of our planet and the survival of future generations.

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The continuous discovery of new species

Even with the extensive number of species that we already know about, new species are being discovered every year. According to a Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, more than 18,000 new animal and plant species are described annually. This continuous discovery of new species is crucial for our understanding of the world’s biodiversity and contributes greatly to science and conservation efforts.

Incredible creatures uncovered

Each new species discovered contributes to the rich tapestry of life on Earth, from amphibians that can withstand freezing temperatures, to deep-sea creatures that live in the darkest depths of the ocean. These findings not only expand our appreciation of the Earth’s biological richness, they also enhance our understanding of how life evolves and adapts to different environments.

To conclude, it’s clear that the Earth’s biodiversity is staggering. Yet, despite the millions of species that we know about, there are many more waiting to be discovered. While it’s thrilling to uncover new species, it’s equally important to protect the diversity of life we already know exists. Each and every species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and the loss of even a single species can have profound effects on the whole system. It’s our collective responsibility to safeguard Earth’s fauna and flora, not only for their sake, but for the health and wellbeing of our planet as a whole.

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