The passion for taxonomy is facing an uncertain future, and it's a story that deserves to be told.
Meet Art Borkent, a 72-year-old taxonomist with a unique passion for biting midges. With a picture of a gnat trapped in amber, he reveals the incredible diversity of these tiny creatures, explaining how there are over 6,000 known species, and tens of thousands more waiting to be discovered. But here's where it gets controversial: Borkent fears that his life's work, and the knowledge he has accumulated, may be lost when he can no longer continue his research.
As autumn approaches in Borkent's life, he reflects on the state of his field. Despite his energy and dedication, the signs of aging are there. His contemporaries are either retired or facing health challenges, and he worries that there is no one to carry on the tradition of identifying and studying these fascinating flies. It's a pattern that's repeating across taxonomy, with an aging community and a lack of replacements.
"I am one of the last few standing. It's a crisis. The taxonomic community is aging, and we're not being replaced. My science is dying," Borkent laments.
The urgency of taxonomy becomes clear when we consider the vast number of species yet to be discovered. Humans have identified over 2.1 million species, but scientists estimate that this is just a fraction of the total, with some believing we share the planet with a trillion species. Most mammals, reptiles, and birds are known, but insects, fungi, and other organisms remain a mystery. This is not just an academic pursuit; it's an urgent task to prevent the loss of species before we even know they exist.
Insects, in particular, are incredibly diverse, with about 170,000 fly species identified so far. Entomologists debate whether there are 2 or 3 million more waiting to be discovered. Yet, despite this vast potential, half of these families are considered "orphaned," with no one actively studying them.
The crisis in taxonomy is not just about numbers; it's about the foundation of biodiversity science. A survey across nearly 100 countries revealed a dire situation, with half having fewer than 10 plant taxonomists, and a lack of full-time positions. In Africa, a continent rich in unknown biodiversity, less than half of taxonomists have access to basic technology. The field is also male-dominated, with a lack of diversity in many countries.
And here's the part most people miss: taxonomy is not just about collecting stamps. It's about interpreting the world around us and understanding our relationship with nature. Borkent's passion for biting midges is a perfect example. He knows their hearts, their guts, and their incredible transformation from a wiggling worm-like creature to a flying machine that can find its mate and its specialized habitat. It's a connection that goes beyond the scientific, and it's a perspective that is at risk of being lost.
"I love biting midges because I know what their hearts look like. I know their guts, and I understand their incredible journey. We would not have chocolate without them; they are important pollinators."
But why is taxonomy facing such a crisis? One key factor is the invention of DNA barcoding, a technique pioneered by Paul Hebert in 2003. This method uses a small section of mitochondrial DNA to differentiate between species, and it has been a game-changer. However, Borkent and many other taxonomists point out the limitations. While DNA barcoding can identify a species quickly, it provides little else. It can detect the presence of unknown species, but it cannot document their interactions, mating habits, behavior, or preferred habitat - all of which are essential to understanding biodiversity.
"The people working with genes often can't identify what they're looking at. Barcoding is powerful, but it's not enough. We need to know more than just a number. That's what traditional taxonomy gives us."
The potential extinction of taxonomists is not a new concern. A report from the UK's House of Lords in 2003 warned of the dying expertise in many species and recommended action to engage young people and modernize the field. Yet, little has changed, according to Borkent.
Every four years, the remaining contemporary taxonomists gather to discuss their work and the hidden extinctions in the animals they study. It's a meeting of minds, a chance to share their passion and their worries. The fate of their profession is a close second on the agenda, with a universal lament for the stress and lack of time to do what they love.
"We need this information. It's part of the beauty and complexity of our world. Humans hardly know anything, and we're losing the chance to understand it."
The passion for taxonomy is a story of dedication, knowledge, and a deep connection with nature. It's a story that deserves to be heard, and a crisis that demands our attention.
