Synthetic Species: The Emerging Threat of AI-Generated Biodiversity

Key Points

• The study aims to examine the risks posed by AI-generated imagery in taxonomy, particularly concerning false species and distribution data.
• Examined the implications of AI-generated imagery on taxonomy practices.
• Advocated for the prohibition of such practices by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
• Analyzed existing cases of fabricated species and misleading distribution data.
• Identified instances of fabricated species created through AI imagery.
• Highlighted the potential for widespread misinformation in biodiversity data.
• Recommended regulatory measures to prevent the use of AI-generated content in taxonomy.