Cryptic diversity highlights the challenge of Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls and the integral role of taxonomy in biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Reliable and current taxonomic data are essential to conservation planning and prioritization. The use of genetic and genomic tools has revealed significant cryptic diversity across taxa and ecosystems, suggesting we are underestimating threatened biodiversity and using outdated species distributions. Taxonomic expertise is the source of much of the data currently used in the IUCN Red List process, and it is in the best interest of the conservation community to support and grow the science of taxonomy. We present observations on the impediments in discovering and designating cryptic biodiversity and illustrate this through a case study and examples in the literature which highlight the scope of this problem. We close with recommendations to support and expand the science of taxonomy and species discoveries relevant to conservation practice and policy. Taxonomy and the value of natural history collections, our historic databases of biodiversity, are in decline and under threat, and given their value to conservation merit expanded academic, conservation, and funding support.