Despite being one of the most densely populated areas on Earth, New York City may harbor hundreds, if not thousands, of undiscovered animal species, primarily small insects. Vox has launched a project this summer to identify new species within Central Park and Prospect Park.
Scientists estimate that a significant majority of all animal species on Earth remain unknown, with some insect families, like the gall midges, having millions of undescribed species globally. Documenting this biodiversity is considered essential for conservation efforts, particularly for insects, which play crucial roles in pollination, waste decomposition, and supporting other wildlife.
The project employs Malaise traps, tent-like structures designed to capture small flying insects such as flies and parasitoid wasps. These traps funnel insects into a container of ethanol for preservation. While the traps do kill small insects, their impact on overall insect populations is considered minor, according to entomologist Emily Hartop, who is involved in the project. The traps are designed to avoid capturing larger creatures like butterflies and dragonflies and will be monitored throughout the summer.
Insects collected will be sent monthly to the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) in Canada. There, scientists will sequence small fragments of their DNA to create genetic 'barcodes.' These unique identifiers will then be compared against existing databases of known species. If a barcode does not match any recorded animal, it suggests a potentially new species.
If genetic sequencing identifies specimens with unique barcodes, they will be sent to expert taxonomists for further analysis. This includes a detailed examination of their anatomy and a review of scientific literature for similar species. Taxonomists like Emily Hartop, specializing in scuttle flies, and Ranjith AP, an expert in certain wasp families, will be involved. Potentially new bee species will be examined by the American Museum of Natural History.
Should a specimen be confirmed as a new species after this rigorous process, the final step involves publishing a description and proposed name in an academic journal, officially adding it to the scientific record.
While this project may not drastically alter the global understanding of biodiversity, it aims to highlight the vastness of the unknown and the urgency of discovery at a time when many insect populations are in decline. The loss of species before they are even identified underscores the need for accelerated biodiversity research.