Biodiversity Indicators

Protected area managers across Europe are adapting to climate change

Biomonitoring the Anthropocene: NY's East River becomes a living biosensor

A year-long study of NYC's East River used environmental DNA to reveal insights into urban wildlife activity, human food consumption and ecosystem health. The findings suggest that urban waterways can become continuous biosensors tracking biodiversity and habitat restoration outcomes.

Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being

A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.

Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being

A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.

‘Nothing is changing,’ SFU researcher warns B.C.’s endangered species lacking protection

A new Simon Fraser University research reveals that thousands of British Columbia's endangered species are not receiving the necessary help to survive. The study found that only a few species have shown signs of recovery since 2008, while many more are declining due to lack of legislative protection.

Wildlife-friendly landscapes dramatically boost biodiversity in fragmented forests

A new study reveals that improving surrounding landscape quality can increase bird species survival in forest remnants, with modest increases in nearby tree cover substantially boosting numbers. This contradicts traditional views on habitat fragmentation and highlights the importance of a more hospitable matrix for conservation.

40 migratory animal species receive new or upgraded protection at close of UN meeting in Brazil

Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.

New UN-backed atlas maps migratory lifelines of highly vulnerable bird species across the americas

The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.

Global initiative to address mounting pressures from illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species announced at UN wildlife conference

The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.

Amid new findings that more migratory species of animals are facing extinction nations gather in Brazil to agree on actions

Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.

An efficient eDNA sampling tool for high sensitivity aquatic biota detection

Researchers developed a new eDNA sampling membrane that captures DNA fragments with high efficiency, detecting multiple tropical coral reef fish species. The membrane, coated with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets, enables preferential interactions with DNA bases, improving the capture of trace eDNA from large volumes of seawater.

Share of migratory wild animal species with declining populations despite UN treaty protections worsens from 44% to 49% in two years; 24% face extinction, up 2%

The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.

Study finds Earth may have twice as many vertebrate species as previously thought

A new study led by University of Arizona researchers suggests that global vertebrate biodiversity has been significantly underestimated, with on average two unrecognized species for every recognized one. This finding could have consequences for conservation efforts if these hidden species are not properly identified.

Roadmap for Europe’s biodiversity monitoring system

A new study proposes a comprehensive roadmap for Europe's biodiversity monitoring system, which could become a global model. The system would track changes in species and ecosystems using 84 Essential Biodiversity Variables and integrate data from various sources, including DNA, digital technologies, and human expertise.

Hidden insect diversity in grass shoots threatened by mowing

Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity

Microscopic plankton reveal tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea

A recent study identifies plankton tropicalization in the western Mediterranean, indicating ocean warming impacts on marine ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures alter the base of marine food webs, affecting planktonic primary producers and consumers.

Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES

A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...

European research project offers hands-on training on making biodiversity data actionable

The Horizon Europe project B-Cubed is offering a training series to turn raw biodiversity records into policy-relevant indicators using emerging tools and workflows. The six live sessions will empower researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners with practical skills for biodiversity data analysis.

Restoring the web of life in farmland

The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.

Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum pledge to safeguard threatened species for Reverse the Red Day

The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.

New species are now being discovered faster than ever before, study suggests

According to a University of Arizona-led study, scientists are discovering new species at a rate that far exceeds extinction. The team analyzed taxonomic histories of 2 million species and found an average of more than 16,000 new species each year, including insects, plants, fungi, and vertebrates.

DNA floating in air reveals the hidden past of ecosystems

Researchers analyzed DNA captured on air filters since the 1960s to track changes in ecosystem biodiversity. The study found a clear decline in biodiversity from the 1970s to the early 2000s, linked to human activities such as forest management.

Africa’s wildlife has lost a third of its natural ‘power’, Oxford-led study warns

A new Oxford-led study reveals Africa's wildlife ecosystems are running on less than two-thirds of their natural energy, posing risks to biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on it. The research uses an ecosystem energetics approach to quantify how energy flows through food webs, finding that smaller species now dominate Africa'...

What noise does a fish make? New underwater tool lets ecologists ID fish from their sounds

Researchers developed a new tool that uses spatial audio and 360° video to pinpoint individual fish sounds, identifying 46 species from the Caribbean coral reefs. The technology enables automatic training of machine learning systems to detect fish species in underwater recordings.

Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips

Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.

New light on conservation of dark biodiversity in rainforests

A recent study reveals that African forest habitats maintain a species-rich Pimplinae fauna compared to nearby farmland, making them valuable for conserving unknown dark biodiversity. The research also suggests that parasitoid wasps occupy a high position in food webs and are vulnerable to biodiversity loss.

Plants, islands and climate change: Biologist Julian Schrader receives an ERC Starting Grant

Dr. Julian Schrader will investigate the interaction between climate change and plant species spread on islands using a 1.5 million euro grant. He aims to close the knowledge gap on migration processes and their consequences for species communities.

Sliteye shark discovered in remote Indian Ocean -- First-ever sighting in Chagos Archipelago

Researchers have recorded the sliteye shark for the first time on the Great Chagos Bank, highlighting the ecological importance of the archipelago's Marine Protected Area. The discovery provides new insights into deepwater seagrass habitats and their role in supporting marine biodiversity.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework advances protection of marine biodiversity

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.

Safeguarding desert ecosystems: New book explores Mexico’s fragile arid zones

The book examines biodiversity, ecology, and conservation strategies across Mexico's deserts, focusing on the Baja California Peninsula, Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Key findings include the ecological roles of natural products and traditional medicinal plants.

Clearing rainforest for cattle farming is far worse for nature than previously thought, finds landmark bird survey

Researchers conducted the world's biggest bird survey in Colombia, recording 971 species and finding that clearing rainforest for cattle pasture causes a 60% greater biodiversity loss than previously thought. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the larger-scale impact of deforestation on biodiversity.

More than just larks and owls!

Researchers used AI to analyze bird songs and calls of 53 European forest bird species, revealing far more activity types than previously thought. The study showed that some species are active around dawn and twilight, and their song patterns need adjustment for breeding bird surveys.

People can accurately judge biodiversity through sight and sound

A new study found that people's intuitive perception of biodiversity through visual and audio cues is remarkably accurate, aligning closely with scientific measures. Participants sorted images and audio recordings of forests based on perceived biodiversity, noticing vegetation density and light conditions visually, while acoustically d...

Reducing urban lighting: balancing the needs of biodiversity and urban residents

Researchers mapped species' landscape connectivity needs at night to assess light pollution reduction urgency. A survey of 1,148 residents helped identify mutually beneficial zones and compromised areas for public lighting adjustments.

Same ecosystem, different fix

A new study by the University of Göttingen and Freie Universität Berlin found that Mediterranean-type regions require tailored restoration methods due to varying soil and climate conditions. The research suggests that compromises are often needed, and what works best depends on local goals and conditions.

Global patterns in seed plant distribution over millions of years

A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.

Better than the original: New SQL-based service enables download of occurrence data cubes

The new service enables users to create and download customised reports summarising species occurrences in a format suitable for biodiversity modelling and indicators. This expansion of GBIF's capabilities aims to improve the usability of biodiversity data, particularly for Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and indicator workflows.

Twenty years on, biodiversity struggles to take root in restored wetlands

Despite decades of restoration efforts, biodiversity growth has stalled in restored Danish wetlands. The study highlights the need for concrete measures such as grazing animals and full restoration of watercourses to improve plant species richness.

New AI technology helps scientists detect which pollutants in England’s lakes are most harmful to life, and identify species which are at highest risk

A new study published in Environmental DNA revealed that insecticides and fungicides are the main factors affecting biodiversity in UK waters. The AI technology analyzed water and biofilm samples from 52 freshwater lakes, identifying key links between pollutants and biodiversity loss.

IPBES: Tackle together five interlinked global crises in biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change

The IPBES report explores interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health, identifying response options for co-benefits across five nexus elements. Existing actions fail to address complexity, resulting in inconsistent governance.

What is a unit of nature? New framework shows the challenges involved with establishing a biodiversity credit market

Researchers introduce a framework to classify biodiversity credits, highlighting the challenges of representing biodiversity in a single unit. The study demonstrates the risks of relying on 'offsetting' and emphasizes the need for genuine nature recovery funding.

Biodiversity at risk in most rainforests

A new study reveals that less than a quarter of the world's tropical rainforests have sufficient quality to support thousands of threatened species. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies that prioritize forest integrity over mere preservation of cover.

Ecosystems: New study questions common assumption about biodiversity

A global analysis of 1.7 million plant community datasets reveals no positive correlation between functional and phylogenetic diversity in most ecosystems. Instead, many plots exhibit a high level of functional diversity with low phylogenetic diversity.

Research highlights the pressures human activities place on tropical marine ecosystems

A new study highlights the pressures human activities place on tropical marine ecosystems, with fishing techniques and tourism posing the greatest threat. The research provides insights into the impact of various activities on different habitats, shedding light on how to ensure sustainable management.

Diverse and diverging demands on forests in Germany

Research led by the University of Göttingen found enriching beech forests with commercially valuable native and non-native conifer species can enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and economic performance. The study showed that mixing beech with Douglas fir resulted in positive gains, particularly for biodiversity and economic ...

Available at COP16: Policy brief proposes a FAIR approach to enhance biodiversity monitoring

The COP16 policy brief recommends implementing FAIR data principles to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This approach enables standardization of indicators, streamlined reporting, and improved global tracking.

Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes

A study found that environmental factors like sea surface temperature, wave energy, and freshwater discharge have a greater impact on marine organisms' size and abundance than ecological processes. In colder waters, marine organisms are larger, with filter feeders growing up to 130% larger.

Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...

Study finds salamanders are surprisingly abundant in northeastern forests

A recent USGS study found that red-backed salamanders have higher densities and biomass than expected, playing a key role in terrestrial temperate ecosystems. The discovery suggests that salamanders are more prevalent than previously suspected, and their disappearance could have significant ecosystem-level consequences.

New study is helping to understand and achieve species elements in the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Experts provide clarity on key species elements of Goal A and Target 4, emphasizing the need for urgent focused actions to halt extinctions. The study aims to support Parties in updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans by clarifying implementation needs.

Braiding community values with science is key to ecosystem restoration

A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.

To save bees, scientists say focus on habitat first, then pesticides

A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.

No evidence that England’s new ‘biodiversity boost’ planning policy will help birds or butterflies

A new legal requirement for developers to demonstrate a biodiversity boost in planning applications may not be effective in improving bird and butterfly populations. Despite this, researchers suggest that the metric can capture plant biodiversity well, but needs improvement to reflect ecosystem intricacies.

Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control

A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.

Calls for regulatory action to strengthen biodiversity disclosures

A new study emphasizes the need for regulatory backing to ensure business and finance disclosures effectively combat biodiversity decline. Current voluntary targets are criticized for prioritizing short-term financial interests over medium-term conservation goals.

Advancing biodiversity data analysis at B-Cubed’s Hackathon

The event standardised and improved accessibility of biodiversity data, enabling informed policy-making and conservation efforts. Ten teams showcased their solutions to a jury of experts, with winning projects illustrating the versatility of data cubes in facilitating biodiversity conservation.

Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations

Research shows that invasive Asian honeybee population in North Queensland has overcome a genetic bottleneck to grow into a thriving colony. The study highlights the importance of this case for understanding population resilience and provides insights into how some species can adapt quickly despite low genetic diversity.

Converting rainforest to plantation impacts food webs and biodiversity

A recent study reveals that converting rainforests to plantations erodes and restructures food webs, fundamentally changing their functioning. The researchers found that energy flows differently in plantation ecosystems compared to rainforests, with a greater emphasis on invasive species and reduced predation.

Butterfly and moth genomes mostly unchanged despite 250 million years of evolution

Researchers analyzed over 200 butterfly and moth genomes to understand their evolutionary history. They found that chromosomes have remained largely unchanged since the last common ancestor over 250 million years ago, despite the diversity seen today in wing patterns and caterpillar forms.

Biodiversity footprints for 151 dishes from around the world show that dishes with a larger impact on biodiversity tend to be meat, legume, or rice-based

A study of 151 popular dishes found that those made with beef, chicken, legumes, and rice have a significant impact on biodiversity. Dishes from Brazil and India were found to have large biodiversity footprints due to the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land.