New species being discovered faster than ever – at a rate of over 16,000 a year

The study shows that there may be more than 16,000 reptile species on Earth, of which only about 12,000 have been formally described, including this hump-nosed viper from India. (John J. Wiens via SWNS)

By Stephen Beech

New species are being discovered faster than ever before - at a rate of more than 16,000 every year, suggests a new study.

New species being discovered faster than ever – at a rate of over 16,000 a year

Among the approximately 16,000 new species described every year, roughly 6,000 are insects. Pictured here is a lanternfly from India. (John J. Wiens via SWNS)

New species being discovered faster than ever – at a rate of over 16,000 a year

On average, more than 100 new reptile species are described each year. Here is a helmeted lizard in Costa Rica. (John J. Wiens via SWNS)

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(Photo by Chris G via Pexels)

Originally published on talker.news, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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