The researchers used large global datasets to map millions of individual trees and tens of thousands of species. “We then performed complex statistical analyses by using artificial intelligence and supercomputers to estimate that there are still 9,000 unknown tree species on Earth, most of them very rare,” said Gatti. In total, the study estimates there are roughly 73,000 tree species on Earth, about 14% more species than previously known.

Abstract

One of the most fundamental questions in ecology is how many species inhabit the Earth. However, due to massive logistical and financial challenges and taxonomic difficulties connected to the species concept definition, the global numbers of species, including those of important and well-studied life forms such as trees, still remain largely unknown. Here, based on global ground-sourced data, we estimate the total tree species richness at global, continental, and biome levels. Our results indicate that there are ∼73,000 tree species globally, among which ∼9,000 tree species are yet to be discovered. Roughly 40% of undiscovered tree species are in South America. Moreover, almost one-third of all tree species to be discovered may be rare, with very low populations and limited spatial distribution (likely in remote tropical lowlands and mountains). These findings highlight the vulnerability of global forest biodiversity to anthropogenic changes in land use and climate, which disproportionately threaten rare species and thus, global tree richness.

ETH Zurich - Crowther Lab