Journal
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Volume 106, Issue 10, Pages 3841-3846Publisher
NATL ACAD SCIENCES
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0812419106
Keywords
biodiversity; extinction; new mammals
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In light of recent discoveries of many new species of poorly-studied organisms, we examine the biodiversity of mammals, a well known charismatic group. Many assume that nearly all mammal species are known to scientists. We demonstrate that this assumption is incorrect. Since 1993, 408 new mammalian species have been described, approximate to 10% of the previously known fauna. Some 60% of these are cryptic species, but 40% are large and distinctive. A substantial number persist only in areas undergoing rapid habitat destruction. Our findings suggest global animal and plant species diversity is badly underestimated even in well studied taxa. This implies even greater threats to ecosystem services and human well-being than previously assumed, and an increased need to explore, understand, and conserve Earth's living resources.
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