A return-on-investment approach for prioritization of rigorous taxonomic research needed to inform responses to the biodiversity crisis

Global biodiversity loss is a profound consequence of human activity. Disturbingly, biodiversity loss is greater than realized because of the unknown number of undocumented species. Conservation fundamentally relies on taxonomic recognition of species, but only a fraction of biodiversity is described. Here, we provide a new quantitative approach for prioritizing rigorous taxonomic research for conservation. We implement this approach in a highly diverse vertebrate group-Australian lizards and snakes. Of 870 species assessed, we identified 282 (32.4%) with taxonomic uncertainty, of which 17.6% likely comprise undescribed species of conservation concern. We identify 24 species in need of immediate taxonomic attention to facilitate conservation. Using a broadly applicable return-on-investment framework, we demonstrate the importance of prioritizing the fundamental work of identifying species before they are lost.

Automated summary

Global biodiversity loss due to human activity is significant, with a large portion of undocumented species contributing to the underestimation of this loss. This study introduces a quantitative approach for prioritizing taxonomic research to aid in conservation efforts, using Australian lizards and snakes as a diverse vertebrate group case study. The research identified a substantial number of species with taxonomic uncertainty, highlighting the importance of investing in identifying unknown species for conservation before they are lost.