A recent expedition led by botanists from Oxford University and the University of the Philippines Los Baños has unveiled a new species of lipstick vine, named Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus, in the remote Barangay Balbalasang rainforest of Luzon, Philippines. This discovery highlights the ongoing richness of biodiversity in the region, despite increasing environmental threats.
The team, which included members of the local Banao Tribe, faced challenging conditions to reach the site, where they identified a unique flower with distinct purple mottling. The species has been classified as Critically Endangered due to the risk of habitat destruction from intensified typhoons linked to climate change.
Dr. Chris Thorogood, a key member of the research team, emphasized the importance of documenting such discoveries to enhance conservation efforts. The researchers aim to use this finding to advocate for the protection of the Banao forest, a critical habitat for many endemic species.
In a separate but equally pressing matter, marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean is under siege from the influx of non-indigenous species, primarily due to climate change and human activities. Nearly 1,000 non-native species have been recorded, altering local ecosystems and threatening native marine life.
To combat this crisis, scientists at the University Côte d'Azur are developing an artificial intelligence algorithm designed to predict the arrival of invasive species. This innovative approach aims to identify vulnerable areas and implement preventive measures to safeguard local habitats.
Both discoveries underline the urgent need for global conservation efforts to protect biodiversity in the face of climate change and human impact.