[3] IISE cited three reasons why an improved taxonomic understanding of life is important: without knowing what exists today, humans will be unable to tell when species go extinct; the diversity of life driven by billions of years of natural selection means nature likely holds the answers to many human problems; and to better appreciate our place in the world.
[7] Between 2008 and 2018, the IISE published an annual list of the "Top 10 New Species" in an effort to increase public awareness of the diversity of life on Earth.
The Delhi Daily News said the list "highlights the most amazing species found last year", while the New Zealand Herald called the creatures it features "bizarre discoveries".
According to National Geographic, the list featured "a lineup of startling creatures notable for their scrappiness, weirdness, thrift, and sloth.
The report takes about two years to compile due to the lack of standardized registration for new species, and issue which IISE has campaigned for.
It routinely finds that insects make up roughly half of all new species discovered, followed by vascular plants and arachnids.