United States - October 09, 2024

[Credit: Ben Nyberg, National Tropical Botanical Garden and Outreach Robotics]

In a groundbreaking approach to biodiversity exploration, researchers have unveiled a new plant species, Schiedea waiahuluensis, from the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, marking the first time drone technology has led to such a botanical discovery. This rare plant, belonging to the carnation family, was found flourishing in the treacherous, previously unreachable cliffs of Waiahulu, showcasing the power of modern technology in botanical research.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), in collaboration with Outreach Robotics from Quebec, utilized a sophisticated drone equipped with a unique device called 'the Mamba.' This tool, capable of navigating vertical cliff faces, allowed for the collection of plant samples without human intervention in areas too dangerous for traditional fieldwork.

Schiedea waiahuluensis joins the ranks of 36 known species within its genus, with its discovery published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys. Its habitat on Kauaʻi's dry cliffs, home to just about 345 individuals, underscores the precarious existence of many Hawaiian endemics, threatened by invasive species and feral goats.

Lead author Warren Wagner from the Smithsonian Institution highlights the significance of this discovery, not just for the species itself but for the broader implications of drone technology in biodiversity research. "The NTBG drone program provides a major new tool for assessing species distribution and status," Wagner said, emphasizing how this technology has already aided in rediscovering plants thought extinct, like Hibiscadelphus woodii, and mapping new populations.

This breakthrough, following over four decades of research on the Schiedea genus, reflects a new era in botanical science where drone deployment could unlock further secrets hidden in the world's most inaccessible terrains. It also shines a light on the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these newly discovered wonders before they vanish forever, illustrating the dual role of technology in discovery and preservation.