> A lot of people seem confused about what "new species of [insert terrestrial animal]" means in 2026.

Are there comments here reflecting confusion? Species is a relatively straightforward term, especially in a relatively scientifically literate community. The researchers and authors of the article discuss surveying locals about the species.

> They have a word for every modern species.

Every modern species of oak grows where they live? A quick search says 450 species of oak, spread across continents:

https://www.internationaloaksociety.org/content/updated-glob...