Approximately 8.7 million species are estimated to exist on Earth.
While an exact count remains elusive, scientists estimate the number of distinct species to be around 8.7 million. However, only a fraction of these, about 1.2 million, have been formally identified, described, and cataloged. This means that a vast number of life forms are still unknown to science. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plays a crucial role in tracking and assessing the conservation status of known species. The IUCN estimates that around 41,000 of the described species are threatened with extinction.
The challenges in identifying and categorizing all life on Earth are significant. Some of the issues that make this task difficult include:
- Remote and inaccessible habitats: Many species live in environments that are difficult or impossible to reach, such as the deep sea or dense rainforests.
- Microscopic organisms: A vast number of bacteria, archaea, and other microorganisms remain largely unexplored.
- Cryptic species: Some species look very similar to others, making them difficult to distinguish.
- Limited funding and resources: Research into biodiversity requires significant investment.
Despite these challenges, scientists continue to make progress in discovering and classifying new species, using tools such as DNA barcoding and advanced imaging techniques. Understanding the full diversity of life on Earth is crucial for conservation efforts and for understanding the complex interactions that sustain our planet.
