Research Article

Modern Taxonomic Tools for Biodiversity Conservation: A Mini Review

Harsh Singhal^1,2,3* and Satya Prakash Mehra^2,3

¹Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, India

²Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD), India

³Rajputana Society of Natural History (Rajasthan) (RSNH), India

Submission: May 13, 2025;Published: May 26, 2025

*Corresponding author: Harsh Singhal, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, India

How to cite this article: Harsh S, Satya Prakash M. Modern Taxonomic Tools for Biodiversity Conservation: A Mini Review. Ecol Conserv Sci. 2025; 5(1): 555653.DOI:10.19080/ECOA.2025.05.555653

Abstract

Biodiversity is under increasing threat due to habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable practices. Recent technological advancements in taxonomy, such as high-resolution imaging and acoustic analysis, offer ethical, non-invasive alternatives for species identification. These tools enhance our ability to document, monitor, and conserve species, especially avifauna, without harming wildlife. This mini review discusses the applications, benefits, and challenges of integrating these tools into modern conservation strategies.

Keywords:Biodiversity conservation; Modern taxonomic tools; Climate change; Birds

Introduction

New Research led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests there are about 1800 bird species in the world, nearly twice as many as previously estimated, highlighting the need for updated conservation measures in biodiverse countries like India. India is among the top seventeen nations globally with high levels of Biodiversity. Its immense biological diversity represents about 7% of the world’s Flora and 6.5% of its Fauna. It embraces 10 biogeographical zones and 26 biotic provinces Rodgers et al. [1].

Why is Biological Diversity under Danger?

The World is undergoing significant and often severe changes to our natural systems. Important change includes the destruction of natural habitats, the spread of invasive species, and the changing climate. Changed climate patterns, such as increased desertification of continental steppe regions, pose severe risks to biodiversity at both local and global scales. Climate change vulnerability of global assessment is based on climate change exposure and traits such as lifespan, fecundity, habitat, and specialization. Foden et al. [2] estimate that 24- 50% of birds are highly vulnerable due to factors such as reduced fecundity and specialized habitat requirements. Additionally, Declining Food resources and reduced suitability of Staging sites have major implications for the survival and reproduction of these migrants Davidson [3]. A large number of animals are taken from Nature every year into practical classrooms for demonstration of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biosystematics studies. Overexploitation of animals in such studies has resulted in almost complete removal of many species from nature. A notable Example of such a loss is Sara hardwickii (formerly uromastix hardwickii), a lizard once common in Indian laboratories, which was used to be a common animal for the dissection tray in many institutions until it was realized in the 1980s that it had disappeared almost completely from most parts of India.

Limitations of Traditional Taxonomy

In Conventional Biosystematics Studies, for the identification of a Species, hundreds of individuals are killed and preserved. This method not only leads to ethical concerns but also contributes to the depletion of vulnerable populations. The Rapid loss of Biological Diversity is indicated by the extinction of an estimated 30 to 300 species per day Japan Economic Newswire [4]. Over 1200 Bird Species across the world are currently under threat of extinction, which is about 12% of the World’s Bird Species. In India, 78 bird species are globally threatened, and to address this, the Indian IBA (Important Bird Area) program was launched by the Bombay Natural History Society in March 1999.

Biodiversity Conservation by Using Some Modern Tools

The main purpose of using modern tools in taxonomy is to save the environment and the welfare of animals, and due to this, we can easily determine the best position in the existing classification. Although many digital alternatives have come into existence in the recent past for the replacement of animal dissection exercises in College Labs, very few efforts have been made in search of alternative biosystematics studies. Modern tools in the modern education system, like High-resolution photographs of animals with closeups of some of their key features (High-resolution Imaging), identification between two animals/ birds by comparing both animals/birds’ sound frequency with the help of a spectrogram. Climate change poses a novel and pervasive threat not only to charismatic taxa but also a traditional conservation goals, but also to traditional conservation goals and expectations, as historical ecological components and processes are retained by protected areas. Understanding the future of biological species in parks which is secured by long-term park management and public engagement. In high-resolution imaging, morphological and morphometric observation of individuals using images of certain diagnostic morphological features can help in identification up to the species. Biological Species use primarily visual and auditory signals for communication. Signals can be interspecific and intraspecific. These Sound Signals may be used independently for the identification and categorization of various taxa or as a supporting tool to conventional taxonomy, with the help of an electronic recorder. We recorded the sound frequencies of birds, then we added these frequencies in the software (Avisoft, Raven) then we got a spectrogram. Then we start the microanalysis of calls. Another purpose of using these things is to save the endangered species.

Challenges and Considerations

Some issues come with these tools, like the software used (Avisoft and Raven) is very costly, so this is used only availability of internet. And another problem with High-resolution imaging is their observation is possible only during daylight hours, while the acoustic method can be used for species that are active at any time for 24 hours day. Automatic recognition of animal vocalizations is promising as a tool for investigating free-ranging animals in their natural habitats. It also challenging as a problem in signal processing, since difficulty arises from the nonstationary nature of the signals involved.

Conclusion

To conserve biological diversity effectively, there is a pressing need to adopt ethical, technology-enabled methodologies. Modern taxonomic tools provide promising avenues for non-invasive species identification, improved conservation practices, and sustainable education models. “It is not only Fine Feathers that make fine birds.”

References

1. Rodgers WA, Panwar HS, Mathur VB (2000) Wildlife protected area network in India: a review. Wildlife Institute of India.
2. Foden WB, Butchart SHM, Stuart SN, Vié JC, Akçakaya HR (2013) Identifying the World's Most Climate Change Vulnerable Species: A Systematic Trait-Based Assessment of all Birds, Amphibians and Corals. PLoS ONE 8(6): e65427.
3. Davidson NC (2003a) Status of wader populations on the Central/South Asian flyway. Wader Study Group Bulletin 102: 14-15.
4. Japan Economic Newswire (1995) Biodiversity report proposes government action.