Ep 9: Taxonomy – the benefits of naming nature

How many species of flora and fauna do you think exist in Australia? Well there’s about a few hundred thousand that we’ve identified. But did you know there’s a bunch more out there that haven’t got a name yet? What’s amazing is that, when we get around to classifying them, that information could be worth billions of dollars to Australia’s economy. So in this episode we’re talking to a scientist who’s had a spider named after him and an economist who’s worked out what all that is worth. Because sometimes, if we can put a dollar figure on nature – people value it more Thank you to our guests: Emeritus Professor Andy Austin, Taxonomy Australia and Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Claire Ibrahim, Deloitte Access Economics  Thank you to NSW Saving Our Species Podcast produced by Grow Love Project It’s estimated that 70 per cent of Australian and New Zealand species remain undiscovered, unnamed and undocumented. The Taxonomy Australia decadal plan seeks to use new and emerging technologies, develop key infrastructure, and create a unified and dynamic science that will serve the needs of society, government, industry and our unique biodiversity. Please listen, rate and share the podcast. Thank you!