A team of research scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the CSIRO have teamed up with Kimberley Traditional Owners to test a new molecular technique that has the potential to significantly speec up the discovery of enw species.

Working in a virtually inaccessible area of rainforest in the Kimberley region, the team have begun their work using a technique known as ‘ecogenomics’ to survey the area’s insect biodiversity, which the team believe will see hundreds of new species documented.

"Using ecogenomics, we will be able to understand what is there and how unique it is in months rather than decades," said CSIRO's Dr Owain Edwards, the project leader.

"Identifying, or describing, new species is the first step towards ensuring their ongoing survival. However, with millions of undescribed species around the world, this is no small task, particularly as many of these species will likely be found in remote locations."

"Faster ways of surveying biodiversity are essential if we are going to effectively manage the world's unique ecosystems."

The team selected the remote area of the Kimberley for their research for the likelihood of finding a range of highly endemic species.

"Over the coming months we'll be analysing the DNA of about 300 000 insect specimens collected from 36 isolated rainforest pockets across the Kimberley and screening them for the presence of endemic species," said Professor Raphael Didham, an invertebrate expert that holds a joint position with CSIRO and the University of Western Australia.

"We're hoping to find hundreds of new species. It's pretty exciting work."