NYC is full of undiscovered species — and we’ve hatched a plan to find one

How do you search for life that's never been seen, right in the middle of New York?Isn't it wild to think we've barely scratched the surface of life on Earth, even in the most familiar places? This piece from Vox is a delightful dive into that very idea, exploring how scientists believe hundreds of undiscovered species might be living right under our noses in New York City. It's not just about the thrill of discovery; it's a thoughtful look at what it means to protect biodiversity when so much of it remains unknown, and how we might go about finding it before it's too late.A project to discover new insect species within New York City's urban parks is detailed. It outlines a four-step methodology: collecting flying insects with Malaise traps, sequencing their DNA for unique genetic barcodes, engaging expert taxonomists for identification, and formally naming any newly found species. The initiative aims to highlight the vast unknown biodiversity, even in well-explored urban environments.Read at source: Vox