Information Technology (IT) is the only manner to handle large volumes of scientific data which has been accumulated for more than 200 years. Until 25 years ago we thought that the 1.6 million inventoried species corresponded to 50% of the planet's biodiversity. New estimates indicate that to date 1.8 million species have been documented and there still remains between 10 and 100 million to be discovered. This monumental task requires the intensive use of IT in order to support and scientific community and advance the biodiversity knowledge of the planet before the species are extinct. The correct taxonomy identification, a detailed description of the characteristics and a complete supporting bibliography which will allow access to all of the historical information and facilitates the scientific disclosure "on-line" of the results. The appropriate management of the information assures the correct decisions are taken and determines the actions in order to protect the biodiversity of threatened areas.

 

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