Temporal Trends in the Discovery of Small Mammals and Songbirds Globally

• Grant number: 23/16169-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Mario Ribeiro de Moura
• Grantee: Guilherme Morasco Missio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11840-6 - Big Data & biodiversity conservation: assessing the impact of biodiversity knowledge accumulation on conservation planning, AP.JP

Abstract

Approximately 1.8 million species have been described since the inception of the binomial nomenclature system by Linnaeus in 1758, but the majority of the planet's species are still unknown to science. The description of a species is ultimately a scientific hypothesis that can be reviewed, refuted, revalidated, leading to changes in current taxonomy. While it is essential to expedite the discovery of species to optimize conservation planning, the process of delimiting, naming, and classifying new species must be cautious to avoid unnecessary taxonomic instability. Mammals and birds are well-known organisms compared to amphibians and reptiles. Despite this, over 1,000 species of rodents, bats, and songbirds have been described since 1990. Understanding the factors that determine taxonomic robustness in newly discovered mammals and birds can aid in promoting guidelines for quality taxonomy and reducing data (species) discards in conservation research.