AI And Digital Plant Records Transform Biodiversity Research, Kew Report Finds
Artificial intelligence and the large-scale digitisation of plant and fungal collections are transforming how scientists monitor biodiversity loss. However, significant gaps in global data mean the true scale of species extinction is still likely underestimated, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2026 report draws on research conducted by more than 400 scientists across 40 countries. The study found that digital technologies are enabling researchers to identify species more efficiently, analyse historical specimens and detect environmental changes linked to climate change.
Professor Alexandre Antonelli, Executive Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said digital access to specimens is revolutionising research and conservation efforts. For centuries, scientists relied on physical collections for their work. Now, researchers can access these specimens digitally from anywhere in the world, making species identification and conservation planning significantly faster and more effective.
Digital Tools Accelerate Conservation Research
The report highlighted how digital records are helping scientists improve biodiversity monitoring. Researchers can now study vast collections of specimens remotely, allowing faster analysis of species distribution and conservation priorities.
According to Kew, digitised records combined with statistical models can speed up the discovery and naming of new species. In addition, these tools can help determine whether poorly documented species have become extinct or have simply gone undetected.
The organisation noted that fewer than 1,000 plant species have been formally declared extinct. Nevertheless, researchers believe the actual number is likely much higher due to limited data and incomplete assessments.
Threatened Species May Be Far More Numerous
The report stated that 29,748 plant species and 411 fungal species are currently classified as threatened with extinction. However, scientists have assessed only 18% of known plant species and just 0.6% of known fungal species.
Furthermore, more than 100,000 plant species and over 2 million fungal species remain unknown to science. These figures suggest that current estimates may significantly underrepresent the true scale of biodiversity loss.
Despite these challenges, Antonelli expressed optimism about the potential of emerging technologies. He acknowledged the severe decline in biodiversity across many regions but said advanced digital tools can help researchers work more efficiently and direct conservation resources where they are most urgently needed.
AI Reveals Shifts In Flowering Patterns
One of the report’s key findings involved the use of artificial intelligence to analyse eight million digitised herbarium specimens. The analysis showed that global flowering times have shifted by an average of 2.5 days per decade over the past century.
Researchers found that plants are flowering either earlier or later depending on the region. These changes could disrupt critical relationships between plants and pollinators.
Antonelli warned that mismatches between flowering plants and pollinating insects could threaten both groups. Pollinators may struggle to find food sources, while plants may face reduced pollination, limiting seed production and affecting future survival.
Global Digitisation Effort Still Faces Gaps
Kew reported that it has completed the digitisation of 7.4 million herbarium and fungarium specimens, creating an extensive online resource for researchers, policymakers and conservationists.
However, the report also revealed that less than 16% of the world’s herbarium specimens have been imaged and made digitally accessible. The shortfall is particularly severe in parts of the Global South, where many collections remain unavailable online.
Researchers believe expanding access to these collections will play a crucial role in improving biodiversity assessments and strengthening conservation efforts worldwide.
With inputs from Reuters