Norway's Taxonomy Initiative Identifies 1,100 New Species

In 2009, Norway began a scientific campaign to identify all of its native species. Now, researchers with the Norway Taxonomy Initiative are reporting that 1,165 new native species have been identified in the country so far, with more than 25 percent of the species being new to science altogether.

The research is focused on describing poorly known species groups across Norway's various ecosystems. The range of native species is vast, from insects and lichens, to new types of molluscs and cold-water sponges, and their identification gives scientists and policymakers a better foundation for understanding the functions and complexity of the country's ecosystems.

"These are very good results that provide new knowledge of both individual species and ecosystems," said Ivar Myklebust, director of the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre.