When a new species is discovered, scientists are usually happy. This year they must be feeling positively gleeful. Scientists estimate that approximately 20,000 new species will be discovered this year.

A Reason for Discovery

That is not all good news. One of the reasons for this flood of new discoveries is the loss of habitat of these animals. Melting sea ice and disappearing rain forest have made the discoveries easier, but it means that the animals are probably in severe danger of extinction. Scientists may find new species only to have them disappear.

DNA Testing

Another reason for new discoveries of species is DNA testing. It can give a clearer picture of the differences between species than a purely physical

ZooBank

All these newly discovered animals have made it difficult to keep track of them and to name them. A new web-based data system has been developed called ZooBank that will help scientists know what others have found.

What is a New Species?

While we say that these species are "new," it does not mean that they have just appeared like a new toy. It means that scientists just did not know about them. The species may have been living for a long time; but scientists have just discovered them.

Source:

 McKie, Robin and Corbyn, Zoe.
"Record haul of 20,000 new species expected," UK Observer . London: Sunday, September 25, 2005.