Extant benthic foraminifera from the Indonesian seas: An update of what we know so far and implications for future studies

Abstract

To offer a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of benthic foraminifera in the Indonesian seas, we analyzed more than 70 years of datasets from both local and international sources. By reviewing articles covering three major biogeographical regions—Sunda Shelf, Sahul Shelf, and Wallacea—and their varying environmental conditions and depositional environments, we identified a total of 1164 species (including uncertain and genus-level identifications) belonging to 448 genera, 136 families, 14 orders, and four classes, in addition to 1116 genus-level naming (sp. and spp.). Our analysis also revealed 762 instances of taxonomic misnaming, with errors stemming from the use of unaccepted names and confusion between fossils, planktonic, and benthic assemblages. Additionally, most of the reviewed studies were found to be incomplete due to insufficient oceanographic data and a lack of detailed species counts, despite the importance of these factors in such research. This work establishes a robust baseline for future studies and highlights key issues that need to be addressed to avoid repeating past uncertainties and to promote more focused research on benthic foraminifera in the region.