How can a simple dried plant help save the world's biodiversity? 🌿💚 For #BiodiversityDay2023 we’re uncovering the secret power of herbarium specimens 💪 Here's a quick breakdown 👇
Herbarium specimens like these can hold the key to geolocating endemic or rare plant species before scientists even step foot in an area. This helps us quickly confirm their presence and plan conservation strategies 🌎
This can help build evidence for the case to protect that area from, e.g., logging as it demonstrates that it holds value as a biodiverse area, ultimately enabling national authorities to prioritise its protection.
A great example of this was when our scientists (with the help of our herbarium specimens) documented an incredible array of plant species in Ebo forest which appeared to help the Cameroon President's decision to revoke logging concessions in 2020 👉kew.org/read-and-watch…
So there you have it – how humble dried plant specimens can help save a forest. But did you know that you’ll soon be able to access our collection of 8 million herbarium and fungarium specimens?
@KewScience Some believe herbarium specimens are as very old fashioned way of work and simply consider as no use. It is important educating young generation on the scientific significance of hebaria