# Millions of species, missing data

> Scientists struggle to catalog Earth's biodiversity due to data gaps and poorly understood species.
- Title: Millions of species, missing data · Malay Mail | Shortify
- Summary: Scientists struggle to catalog Earth's biodiversity due to data gaps and poorly understood species. Scientists face significant data gaps in cataloging…
- Keywords: biodiversity, data gaps, species cataloging, pocota personata, mnhn, cnrs, international union for conservation of, field observations, citizen science, news, world, Millions
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/life/2026/10/20/millions-of-species-missing-data-the-painstaking-work-of-cataloguing-life-on-earth/239724
- Published: 2026-10-20T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: biodiversity, data gaps, species cataloging, pocota personata, mnhn, cnrs, international union for conservation of, field observations, citizen science, news, world
## Rediscovered insect mystery
A bumblebee-mimic hoverfly last seen in France 150 years ago was spotted again in 2025.

> We are beyond heartbroken
## Biodiversity data gaps
Scientists estimate 86% of terrestrial species and 91% of marine creatures remain formally undescribed.
## Extinction risk assessment
Only about eight percent of known species have extinction risk assessments completed by 2025.
## Field research challenges
Researchers check insect traps weekly to identify species using DNA, but data gaps persist.
## Genetic identification limits
A single trap can contain up to 261 DNA types, but these may not represent 261 distinct species.
## Reference database needs
Scientists require rich reference databases to effectively identify species and track biodiversity.
## Citizen science limitations
Public involvement in species monitoring can introduce biases and overlook remote areas.
## Data inconsistency issues
Different monitoring methods lead to conflicting conclusions about species decline.
## Biodiversity crisis uncertainty
Without reliable data, scientists cannot determine if biodiversity is declining or what actions to take.
## Key takeaway

Scientists face significant data gaps in cataloging Earth's biodiversity, with 86% of terrestrial species and 91% of marine creatures yet to be formally described.