What does biodiversity mean?
The word biodiversity is a contraction of 'biological diversity'. Humans rely on biodiversity to survive.
Why is biodiversity important?
The benefits biodiversity brings are called ecosystem services. Biodiversity keeps us all alive, but it also helps to make our lives healthy and safe.
Find out more about the benefits of biodiversity.
Do your bit for nature
Biodiversity is connected to almost every aspect of our lives, but it needs our help. Small actions can make a big difference.
Loss of biodiversity
Learn more about the state of Earth's biodiversity.
Our Broken Planet: The Podcast
Hear from scientists, activists and people at the forefront of the climate and biodiversity crises.
Threats to biodiversity
Why is biodiversity under threat? What's causing biodiversity loss?
How are climate change and biodiversity loss linked?
The climate crisis and biodiversity loss are closely connected but the good news is, so are the solutions.
Discovering new species and monitoring biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity
All articles and videos about biodiversity
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Science news
Snakes’ rapid evolution might be the secret of their success
They might not have legs, but snakes are outpacing their relatives in the race to evolve.
22 February 2024 -
Science news
New species of pirate spiders discovered on South Atlantic island
Named in honour of two dedicated conservationists, the discovery of the spiders could help to protect at-risk forests on St Helena.
15 February 2024 -
News
Coral reefs cover more of Earth’s surface than realised, new estimates reveal
Satellite images have revealed a missing 64,000 square kilometres of coral cover, an area similar to the size of Ireland.
13 February 2024 -
News
Migratory fish, mammals and birds at risk of extinction
The first State of the World’s Migratory Species report found that countries aren’t doing enough to save threatened species.
12 February 2024 -
Science news
Scientists plan ‘seaweed breakthrough’ to restore threatened species
Seaweeds play a vital role in the modern world, but their existence is under threat.
2 February 2024 -
News
Ban on sandeel fishing to support UK’s struggling seabirds
The fishing of sandeels in the UK’s portion of the North Sea will be banned from April.
1 February 2024 -
News
Tiny ants are changing the diet of Kenya’s lions
Invasive ants are reducing tree cover on the savannah, causing lions to hunt buffalo over zebra.
25 January 2024 -
British wildlife
Life in soil
Dark, dramatic and dead set on decomposition, soil is alive. Find out the dirt on soil’s drama.
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News
How do we know which parts of the planet to protect?
Nations around the world have agreed to protect 30% of the land and sea by the year 2030.
8 December 2023 -
Science news
Skull shape can predict how extinct vultures fed on carrion
Variations in the skull shape of vultures have been found to coincide with the preferred method each species uses to feed on a carcass.
21 November 2023 -
What on Earth?
Convergent evolution explained with 13 examples
The same useful traits appear again and again in nature.
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Science news
Bird beaks reveal the changeable nature of evolution
The Natural History Museum’s collections are helping scientists to get a handle on how evolution works.
25 October 2023 -
News
The world’s last untouched wildernesses are at risk of becoming farmland
The last remaining wildernesses on Earth could be swept away to feed humanity’s growing appetite.
19 October 2023 -
Science news
Loss of tropical pollinators puts chocolate and coffee production at risk
The tropical crops may face an uncertain future amid rising temperatures and habitat loss.
12 October 2023 -
News
Schools in England invited to join new programme to boost nature in education
The National Education Nature Park will create a network of green spaces right across the country.
4 October 2023 -
Science news
Climate change threatens thousands of amphibians with extinction
Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world.
4 October 2023 -
News
One in six species at risk of going extinct in Great Britain
Wildlife in the UK has declined on average by 19% since monitoring began in 1970.
27 September 2023 -
News
Europe’s bumblebees threatened with extinction as their habitats shrink
Rising temperatures and habitat loss could spell an uncertain future for bumblebees in Europe.
13 September 2023 -
News
Invasive red fire ants found in Europe for the first time
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s most damaging invasive species.
11 September 2023 -
Science news
‘Dividing line’ for undersea wildlife discovered in the deep Pacific Ocean
The pattern of diversity in the deep sea is more complex than first thought.
24 July 2023 -
British wildlife
Ticks, tick bites and Lyme disease: how to protect yourself
Ticks are becoming increasingly common in the UK and can carry a health risk for people and pets.
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News
New species of palm found to flower and fruit underground
A newly described palm species from Borneo has been discovered with the unusual phenomenon of producing its fruit and flowers below ground.
7 July 2023 -
Behind the Science: Ashwini Mohan highlights the challenges
International scientists must overcome many obstacles to obtain research posts in the UK.
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News
New forests and restoration among proposals for England’s woodlands
A new report offers a path to recover England's woodlands, one that could increase the country's biodiversity from the mid-2040s onwards.
28 June 2023 -
News
Australian lizard species rediscovered following extinction fears
The Victorian grassland earless dragon was last seen in 1969, but recent surveys of its habitat have revealed new populations of the species.
27 June 2023 -
Anthropocene
Our Broken Planet podcast
Hear stories from the front line of the planetary emergency, as well as solutions from nature, science and people power.
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News
New flying gecko species reveals hidden biodiversity of northern India
The oldest group of lizards has just gained their newest member.
12 June 2023 -
Collections
Well-loved specimens by our South Asian scientists
Our South Asian scientists share their research and their favourite specimen.
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News
Invasive oak processionary moth caterpillars cause concern for England’s trees
An insect that can be hazardous to human health is spreading across southeast England.
8 June 2023 -
News
World’s longest fence affecting the development of kangaroos
Kangaroos spring up faster when they’re living with their predators.
6 June 2023 -
British wildlife
Dusk till dawn: The secret world of night creatures
Our top tips for how to see nocturnal animals as they go about their busy lives after dark.
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News
Imports of ivory from hippos and killer whales to be banned in the UK
Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.
31 May 2023 -
News
Britain has lost 73 million birds over the last 50 years
Most of the declining species are farmland birds.
12 May 2023 -
Science news
Noisy neighbours: Listening in to nature in cities and towns
Urban soundtracks allow us to listen in to wildlife, from calling birds and shouting foxes to chirping insects and quiet worms.
12 May 2023 -
Science news
New group of butterflies named after Lord of the Rings villain Sauron
While there are currently only two members of the genus Saurona, many more as-yet-undescribed species are thought to exist.
7 May 2023 -
Science news
Monitoring changes in Wikipedia pageviews could help save wildlife
Scientists have developed an ambitious new tool which monitors the monthly changes in Wikipedia pageviews for thousands of species.
4 May 2023 -
British wildlife
How well do you know your nature sounds? Take the quiz and find out
Think you know your birds from your bees?
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Behind the Science: Chawatat pursues elusive Southeast Asian bumblebees
Thai PhD student Chawatat investigates the hidden lives of Southeast Asian bumblebees.
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Science news
Sea ice algae on which Arctic animals rely under threat from climate change
Traces of ice algae have been found in many animal groups revealing the critical importance of algae and the sea ice on which it grows to the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
19 April 2023 -
Science news
Hanuman plover makes a comeback as a species after 86 years
Named after a Hindu god, it is hoped that resurrecting the species will focus conservation attention on at-risk habitats.
17 April 2023 -
News
Almost half of all UK bird species in decline
Bird populations in the UK continue to freefall as the government moves further away from achieving its own targets to protect nature.
14 April 2023 -
News
Can ancient food webs help predict biodiversity collapse?
A gradual decline in biodiversity may have led to a more devastating ecosystem collapse during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction.
11 April 2023 -
News
Beaver families thriving in the West Country after unofficial reintroductions
As many as 50 beavers could be living in Somerset and Wiltshire, Natural England has revealed.
28 March 2023 -
News
Biodiversity at risk as development encroaches into 80% of vital habitats
Development in Key Biodiversity Areas poses a risk to the stability and survival of unique ecosystems.
24 March 2023 -
News
Beavers reintroduced in Ealing after London rewilding projects funded
22 rewilding schemes will share £850,000 to help bring back nature in the UK's capital city.
11 October 2023 -
News
Climate change 'survival guide' finds 1.5⁰C is achievable, but needs urgent action
The latest climate report reveals that the world is more than capable of tackling climate change, but current action simply isn't enough.
20 March 2023 -
Science news
Extinctions on the island of the dodo are pushing plants towards extinction
Almost a third of Mauritius' native fruits are no longer being dispersed as no animals are big enough to swallow their seeds.
16 March 2023 -
News
Over half of Britain's plant species are now non-native
Of the almost 3,500 British plant species, non-native plants now outnumber native species by 51% to 49%.
10 March 2023 -
News
Historic treaty to protect the world's oceans finally agreed
Nations have reached a historic agreement to protect the world's oceans from exploitation.
6 March 2023 -
News
UK creates three new 'highly protected' marine nature reserves in England
While conservationists have welcomed the announcement, they've also raised concerns that the proposals aren't enough to protect vulnerable marine habitats.
28 February 2023 -
News
Plans to reintroduce lynx and wolves to England could be put on hold
Thérèse Coffey has told farmers that she does not support reintroducing wolves and lynx to the English countryside.
24 February 2023 -
British wildlife
What happens to frogs and dragonflies when their pond disappears?
Natural ponds come and go. They fill up when it's wet and empty when it's dry. Pond wildlife has learnt to live in these changeable worlds in remarkable ways.
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News
Dodo 'de-extinction' announcement causes conservation debate
While some argue de-extinction could help to restore damaged ecosystems, others believe it is an expensive distraction from the threats facing living species.
15 February 2023 -
News
Everyone should live within a 15-minute walk of nature
The UK government has released plans to restore the natural world.
31 January 2023 -
British wildlife
The best small trees, climbers and shrubs to plant for wildlife
Planting a diversity of shrubs, climbers and small trees can help boost biodiversity. October to April is prime planting time, so have your spade at the ready.
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News
Critically Endangered Yangtze finless porpoise shows signs of recovery
The Yangtze finless porpoise has faced habitat loss and a reduced range as a result of sand mining, but a suspension of the practice offers hope that they could recover.
16 January 2023 -
News
Invasive rats are affecting the behaviour of algae-farming fish
Invasive rats are devastating tropical islands, with effects reaching far beyond the land.
5 January 2023 -
News
The conservation success stories of 2022
Here are just 20 of the ways humanity's efforts to help nature paid dividends in 2022.
4 January 2023 -
Science news
Museum scientists described 351 new species in 2022
It has never been more important to describe as much of the natural world as possible.
30 December 2022 -
Collections
Christmas plants: The traditions and science of festive flora
Two Museum experts highlight the stories and science behind some of our most festive flora.
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Anthropocene
Renewable energy and its importance for tackling climate change
Get the facts about sustainable energy.
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Collections
Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg on the Lost Rhino
Discover the inspiration and concept behind the installation and gain a deeper understanding of what's on display.
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Science news
Underground wildlife is slow to recover from soil damage
Intensively used land isn't just harmful to biodiversity we can see – it's also harming the wildlife living under the ground.
13 December 2022 -
Biodiversity
Indigenous Peoples call for co-operation to conserve the world's biodiversity
Recognising the rights of the world's Indigenous Peoples could be crucial to protecting nature.
9 December 2022 -
Anthropocene
How are climate change and biodiversity loss linked?
The climate crisis and biodiversity loss are closely connected but the good news is, so are the solutions.
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Anthropocene
Plant expert Ana Claudia Araujo investigates the extinction of our global flora
Museum plant specialist Ana Claudia researches global biodiversity decline.
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Biodiversity
Explained: What is the Convention on Biological Diversity, and what does it do?
Nature faces a series of unprecedented threats in the twenty-first century - and the Convention on Biological Diversity sets the stage to help it fight back.
1 December 2022 -
News
Mussels in the Thames have declined by 95% since the 1960s
Native mussels in the River Thames are in decline, with some species having disappeared since a landmark study in 1964.
28 November 2022 -
Science news
Destruction of forests and grasslands is biggest cause of biodiversity loss
A new study has looked at what is driving the biodiversity crisis.
9 November 2022 -
Anthropocene
Eco-anxiety: how to cope at a time of climate crisis
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis or the state of our planet? These techniques can help you improve your mental wellbeing.
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News
COP27: What to expect from 2022's climate change conference
Demands for climate action are stronger than ever as the world comes together once again to discuss the rapidly warming world.
4 November 2022 -
News
Dams threaten populations of Australia's duck-billed platypus
Dam building in Australia is reducing gene flow between platypus groups, piling pressure on populations whose numbers are already falling.
3 November 2022 -
British wildlife
There's life among the dead: Wildlife in cemeteries
Left alone over time, many graveyards have become secluded sanctuaries where plant and animal life can thrive.
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News
First wild European bison born in the UK for thousands of years
A herd of bison released into woodland near Canterbury, Kent, have surprised conservationists by giving birth to a calf.
21 October 2022 -
News
World war shipwrecks are leaking pollutants into the world's oceans
Carcinogenic fuel, explosives and chemical weapons are leaking into the seas from sunken naval vessels.
18 October 2022 -
News
Wildlife populations have crashed by 69% within less than a lifetime
We know the problems, but we also know how to fix them.
13 October 2022 -
Science news
New way of understanding Earth's ecosystems could help to restore them
The new Global Typology of Ecosystems provides an important step towards characterising the true diversity of life on Earth at its largest scale.
12 October 2022 -
British wildlife
Daddy long legs: the flies that have us ducking and diving
But just when is daddy long legs season and how long does it last?
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News
Greta Thunberg warns 'humanity's life support is being destroyed' on visit to the Museum
Greta Thunberg and the Museum have teamed up to help educate students on the importance of tackling both the climate and biodiversity crises.
8 September 2022 -
Science news
Detailed record of ancient British birds reveal potential rewilding candidates
For the first time the records of ancient British birds have been formally incorporated into the British List.
24 August 2022 -
News
Artificial grass controversy as campaigners call for taxes and bans
Debate over the use of artificial and natural lawns has been rekindled in recent weeks as temperatures surge across the UK.
16 August 2022 -
Science news
Recreating the song of a 150-year-old insect could help rediscover its species
An insect last seen in 1869 has sung again, which could help give researchers clues about where the insect might still be living.
10 August 2022 -
News
New group of spiders named after David Bowie and his back catalogue
The tropical arachnids have been named after the musician to draw attention to the threats they face.
8 August 2022 -
News
How beavers stay wet during UK drought
As parts of the UK experience one of the worst droughts in a century, a little patch in the southeast of England is babbling with life.
5 August 2022 -
British wildlife
How to pond dip
Pond dipping is a wonderful way to look at the creatures that live in and around pond water.
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News
The oldest known animal predator has been uncovered in Leicestershire
The 560-million-year-old specimen of Auroralumina attenboroughii reveals that the origins of complex life may date back further than was previously known.
28 July 2022 -
News
First report of deadly disease raises concerns for Europe's starfish
A disease that causes starfish to disintegrate has been reported in the UK and Europe, raising fears for marine ecosystems.
27 July 2022 -
Science news
Pacific expedition may have discovered over 30 new deep sea species
Over 30 potential new species, from starfish to sea cucumbers, have been discovered living at the bottom of the sea.
27 July 2022 -
Science news
The biodiversity crisis is making birds more similar
The days of the most distinctive bird species could be numbered as the most unusual forms bear the brunt of global extinctions.
21 July 2022 -
News
Amphibian microbiome could be key to fighting deadly fungal disease
Frogs with less diverse microbiomes are more severely affected by chytridiomycosis than those with a greater range of microbes, suggesting possible new treatments.
18 July 2022 -
News
Risks to human health are increasing because of climate change
The effect of rising global temperatures on human health may require changes in our behaviour, mindset and the spaces we live in.
15 July 2022 -
British wildlife
Cuckoo spit and fascinating froghoppers (spittlebugs)
In spring and summer, you might notice something looking like spit on a plant.
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News
The world's largest waterlily is bigger than a double bed
The world's largest waterlily has been discovered in the wetlands of northern Bolivia.
4 July 2022 -
News
Killer whales that attack great white sharks are changing a marine ecosystem
By scaring away the great whites, the killer whale hunters are altering the habits of other sharks, abalone and even penguins.
1 July 2022 -
News
First carnivorous plant to grow underground pitfall traps discovered
Nepenthes pudica is changing what we know about carnivorous species, but may already be Critically Endangered.
30 June 2022 -
News
Climate change report lays out what the UK must do to achieve net zero
The UK is on track to cut just 40% of the emissions required to reach net zero, the country's top climate body has warned.
29 June 2022 -
News
Monkeypox: How is biodiversity loss linked to emerging zoonotic diseases?
As we encroach more on the natural world, new diseases are likely to become more common.
24 June 2022 -
News
The world's largest bacteria are visible to the naked eye
Measuring over a centimetre long, Thiomargarita magnifica is over 5000 times bigger than the average microbe.
23 June 2022 -
News
COP15 explained: What is the biodiversity conference and why is it important?
Discussions which will define the future of the world's biodiversity are set to take place in Canada later this year.
22 June 2022 -
Science news
Invasive mice are pushing the Tristan albatross to the brink of extinction
A Critically Endangered species of albatross may be in more danger than previously thought.
21 June 2022 -
News
The world's largest plant is an Australian seagrass clone
Believed to be at least 4,500 years old, Shark Bay's Posidonia australis covers an area bigger than Washington DC.
1 June 2022 -
News
Half of British butterflies placed on extinction Red List
While more butterflies are being threatened, the report finds they can recover with our help.
26 May 2022 -
News
Saving British bumblebees needs a range of habitats
A new report lays out how we can prioritise the best selection of habitats to give the UK's 24 species of bumblebee a boost.
24 May 2022 -
News
Demand for exotic pets risks spider and scorpion extinctions
Scientists have called for greater protections for species which are at risk of being collected into extinction.
19 May 2022 -
News
Protected areas could help world's biggest ray to bounce back
Crowdsourced photographs are helping to demonstrate the value of nature reserves to one of the world's largest fish.
17 May 2022 -
Science news
Mauritius' pink pigeon faces extinction threat from inbreeding
Another bird from the island of the dodo is in danger of becoming extinct, scientists have warned.
13 May 2022 -
News
UK's flying insects have declined by 60% in 20 years
The UK's insect population has fallen sharply as the invertebrates are affected by rising temperatures and fragmented habitats.
6 May 2022 -
News
Critically Endangered porpoise can bounce back from edge of extinction
There are fewer than 10 vaquita left in the world, but it's still possible to save the species.
5 May 2022 -
News
More than a fifth of reptiles are threatened with extinction
Habitat loss and human persecution are the key drivers of their decline, with crocodiles and turtles most at risk.
27 April 2022 -
News
UK set to miss pledge to protect 30% of territory by 2030
A new report from the British Ecological Society warns the UK needs to change how it looks after biodiverse areas of the country.
25 April 2022 -
News
'Extinct' flower rediscovered in Ecuador after forest destruction
Though Gasteranthus extinctus may be Critically Endangered, there is hope it can be brought back from the brink.
15 April 2022 -
Science news
Museum bats digitised to combat future pandemics
Understanding how bats, which are one of nature's largest disease reservoirs, have changed over time can help scientists to identify new disease hotspots.
7 April 2022 -
News
Avoiding the worst of climate change is possible if we act now
We have just three years to keep the dream of 1.5⁰C of global warming alive.
4 April 2022 -
News
Highest number of bitterns in the UK since the 1880s
The bittern, whose call is as loud as a jet taking off, is returning to areas of the country it hasn't been seen in for centuries.
25 March 2022 -
News
Lead ammunition poisoning Europe's birds of prey
Populations of raptors are over 50,000 birds smaller than they would otherwise be.
18 March 2022 -
News
Beavers reintroduced to London after 400 years
The reintroduction is another step forward for campaigns to return the aquatic rodent to the UK.
17 March 2022 -
News
Cities are influencing plant evolution globally
White clovers are adapting to face the dryness of cities globally by reducing production of anti-herbivore compounds.
17 March 2022 -
News
Potential new species of giant tortoise discovered in the Galápagos Islands
There is currently not enough evidence to prove they are a genuine new species, or just a distinct population of an existing one.
14 March 2022 -
What on Earth?
Giant and colossal squid: revealing the secrets of the largest invertebrates
Scientists have only just begun to reveal what the lives of giant and colossal squid are like in the past two decades.
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Science news
Frog eyes shed light on their UV vision
Understanding how frog eyes evolved can help explain how the diverse group came into being.
1 March 2022 -
Science news
Lizard lifestyle has no impact on their biting force
Even the most carnivorous lizard can bite no harder than herbivores of the same size, Museum researchers have found.
23 February 2022 -
News
Britain's rural hedgehogs see dramatic population decline
Up to three quarters of all of Britain's rural hedgehogs have been lost in the past 20 years.
22 February 2022 -
News
Reintroducing large mammals could restore the world's ecosystems
Just 20 large mammals, including beavers, bears and bison, could bring back communities across a quarter of the planet.
17 February 2022 -
Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: A lake for all seasons
Chilly landscape photo of Lake Santa Croce wins the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2022.
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News
Fossil-eating sponges discovered in the Arctic
The unique ecosystem is one of the most diverse of the high Arctic.
8 February 2022 -
Science news
Two thirds of life in the seabed is unknown to science
The deep seafloor could be up to three times as diverse as the overlying waters, with much of this diversity yet to be discovered by science.
4 February 2022 -
News
Global warming is causing UK plants to flower earlier
Plants in the UK now flower around a month earlier than they were hundreds of years ago.
2 February 2022 -
News
Crocodiles prefer aquatic meals after toxic toad invasion
Scientists believe that the behavioural change may help the reptiles wash away poison from the cane toad, an amphibian which has decimated Australian biodiversity.
26 January 2022 -
Science news
Museum digitises five millionth specimen to unlock secrets of collection
The digitisation of these collections could be worth two billion pounds to the global economy.
18 January 2022 -
News
UK must adapt to climate change now, report warns
The UK faces more deaths, higher costs and greater disruption if preparations to adapt to climate change aren't taken now, the government's climate advisors have warned.
18 January 2022 -
News
Without animals, plants' ability to move with climate change halves
The historic loss of large mammals such as wolves and aurochs means that plants are much less able to spread their seeds to suitable climates.
17 January 2022 -
News
Tree named after Leonardo DiCaprio is one of 2022's first new species
A newly described species of tree has received international attention after being named in honour of actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
11 January 2022 -
News
DNA floating in the air can be used to identify nearby animals
Animals can be detected from hundreds of metres away, just by the presence of their DNA in the air.
6 January 2022 -
News
The conservation success stories of 2021
Scientists, activists and members of the public fought to ensure that 2021 won't be remembered as all bad for conservation.
29 December 2021 -
Biodiversity
Christmas animals and plants: The festive species named for 25 December
Over 30 species globally are named for Christmas Day, recognising their bright colours, place of origin or reproductive cycle.
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News
Ancient shipwreck reveals 'ecological memory' of reefs
An ancient battle fought thousands of years ago has provided an oasis of life on the wrecks it left behind.
23 December 2021 -
News
First millipede with more than 1,000 legs discovered in Australia
A newly discovered millipede has claimed the title of the 'leggiest' animal in the world.
20 December 2021 -
News
World's 'most wanted' fish rediscovered after 50 years
One of the world's 'most wanted' fish has been tracked down, almost 50 years after it was last seen.
16 December 2021 -
What on Earth?
Unwanted guests: the weird world of parasitic plants
Most plants get the energy they need through photosynthesis, but some get their nutrition by stealing it from another plant instead. About 1% of flowering plants (around 4,000 species) are parasitic.
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News
600 million birds lost across Europe since 1980
There are over 600 million fewer birds in Europe than there were 40 years ago.
17 November 2021 -
News
Sharks, seahorses and seals found in River Thames' first full health check
Sharks, seahorses and smelt are among the residents of the River Thames revealed in a new report.
10 November 2021 -
News
California condors can have chicks through 'virgin births'
One of the world's most endangered birds can choose to have young without sex, it has been found.
8 November 2021 -
News
COP26: the first week's headlines
Read a summary of the major headlines coming out of the climate summit.
5 November 2021 -
News
The deadly effects of sewage pollution on nature
Sewage in Britain's waterways has been hitting the headlines recently. But what effect does raw waste have on our rivers, streams and oceans?
4 November 2021 -
News
Microbes that form clouds threatened by climate change
Microbes in the air could be among the victims of climate change, with 15% of airborne species of bacteria predicted to go extinct.
21 October 2021 -
News
Eagle reintroduction project cancelled despite widespread public support
The white-tailed sea eagle will not be reintroduced to Norfolk despite fully fledged plans and public support.
19 October 2021 -
News
Five projects to 'fix the planet' win the inaugural Earthshot Prize
Methods to regrow coral reefs, restore rainforests and reuse food waste have each received a million pounds as part of the first ever Earthshot Prize.
18 October 2021 -
Anthropocene
What's so bad about the spotted lanternfly?
The brightly coloured spotted lanternfly is causing problems in parts of Asia and North America.
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News
One in five European birds at risk of extinction, report warns
Over 100 species of European birds are on the road to becoming extinct, a new report has warned.
14 October 2021 -
News
Speaking up for the little ones: why bugs need our help more than ever
Over recent weeks there have been plenty of sensational headlines about insects invading our homes and causing the evacuation of schools.
12 October 2021 -
News
Analysis warns global biodiversity is below 'safe limit' ahead of COP 15
The world's biodiversity has fallen below the 'safe limit', researchers suggest, as habitat destruction and agriculture take their toll on nature.
10 October 2021 -
News
Birds, bat and fish among 23 species declared extinct by USA
The US government has announced that 23 species of American animals and plants are believed to have gone extinct.
4 October 2021 -
News
Extinction of primates threatens greater diversity loss than first thought
The loss of the world's primates will lead to a greater loss of diversity than first thought, as their parasites also risk extinction.
30 September 2021 -
News
Over half of coral reef cover across the world has been lost since 1950
Coral reefs have declined by over half since the 1950s as they suffer from the effects of climate change and overfishing.
26 September 2021 -
British wildlife
How to make a small wildlife pond
A garden pond is one of the best ways you can help Britain's wildlife. You can create one in even the tiniest of gardens.
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British wildlife
Pond life: facts about pond habitats, plants and animals
Ponds are crucial habitat for a great diversity of wildlife.
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Nature activities for summer
25 fun activities to get you out exploring and reconnecting with nature.
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British wildlife
Seven insect heroes of pollination
Pollination is not just the work of honeybees. Meet some of the buzzing, bold and beautiful insects carrying out this critical task.
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British wildlife
Stag beetle facts: the UK's largest beetle and where to see it
London is a particular stronghold of these magnificent, rare beetles. Discover why, where else they live and how you can help protect them.
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News
Duchess of Cambridge visits the Museum's Wildlife Garden
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the Museum to hear how the Urban Nature Project will inspire the next generation to care for the nature that surrounds them.
24 June 2021 -
British wildlife
Environmental DNA: what is it and how can it help us protect wildlife?
Find out what eDNA is and how it can be used for conservation.
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British wildlife
Meet the bee-fly: the cute bee mimic with a dark side
They look like bees and pollinate flowers, but these fluffy flies have a gruesome teenage stage that makes them one of the most fascinating species in your local park or garden.
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Anthropocene
The future of eating: how genetically modified food will withstand climate change
Future farmers face a big challenge: feeding everyone on Earth while being kind to the planet. Could genetically modified food be the answer?
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British wildlife
How to make a bee hotel
Give solitary bees a home by making this simple, DIY bee hotel.
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Anthropocene
Will the ocean really be dead in 50 years?
The oceans are facing down three huge threats: overfishing, pollution and climate change.
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Anthropocene
Sugar: a killer crop?
The world's sugar addiction is destroying tropical rainforest.
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Anthropocene
Aspirin, morphine and chemotherapy: essential medicines powered by plants
Plants' many health benefits are helping fight some of humankind's biggest killers, such as heart disease and cancer.
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Science news
We need to act now to save nature
It will cost us double to preserve nature unless we act now, Museum scientists have found.
11 February 2021 -
News
The world's obsession with economic growth is killing nature, report finds
Changing our economic system would create a fairer, healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.
2 February 2021 -
Science news
Armoured 'slug' among 503 new species described by Museum scientists in 2020
30 December 2020 -
News
One of the world's biggest sanctuaries for wildlife has just been created
The most remote inhabited island in the world has become one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet.
13 November 2020 -
Science news
New species of monkey is already critically endangered
The Popa langur lives on an extinct volcano in Myanmar.
11 November 2020 -
Science news
Earth's bacteria are 44% more diverse than previously thought
Researchers created a database of 52,515 microbial draft genomes of samples from all over the world.
9 November 2020 -
Science news
How invasive species are threatening precious island birds and plants
The decline in native birds is threatening the existence of island biodiversity.
2 November 2020 -
News
Endangered water voles to be reintroduced to London
One of Britain's most threatened mammals is being given a boost.
26 October 2020 -
Oceans
Dr Leanne Melbourne: inspiring young women to study ocean science
A young Leanne Melbourne never thought she would grow up to be a scientist.
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Anthropocene
How listening to birdsong can transform our mental health
Listening to some bird song can help improve our mental health.
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Science news
Whale poo is powering the world's rainforests
The world's biggest animals are nature's engineers.
1 October 2020 -
Science news
40% of plants are threatened with extinction
The extinction risk to plants could be worse than previously thought, according to a landmark report.
30 September 2020 -
News
Beekeeping in cities is harming other wildlife, study finds
Enthusiasm for beekeeping in the UK's major cities is threatening other local wildlife, according to a new report.
30 September 2020 -
British wildlife
Meet the neighbours: eight surprising animals living in UK towns and cities
It's not just foxes, rats and pigeons in the concrete jungle.
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Anthropocene
Nature: liberated by lockdown?
What really happened to nature in 2020?
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Science news
Nature 'unravels' as animal populations plummet
Animal populations have declined by 68% since 1970.
10 September 2020 -
Oceans
Exploring animal life on a hydrothermal vent
As well as intriguing vent animals, the team got to see humpback whales breaching in the bay.
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British wildlife
How to see UK bats and give them a helping hand
The best places to hang out with bats and how to take them under your wing.
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British wildlife
Why road verges are important habitats for wildflowers and animals
They cover an enormous area of the UK and are home to many rare and declining wild plants, insects, amphibians and more.
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News
Hedgehogs and water voles face extinction in new Red List for British mammals
The first official red list for British mammals has been produced.
7 August 2020 -
Science news
New Guinea is home to more plant species than any other island
The first taxonomically verified checklist of the plants of New Guinea is complete.
5 August 2020 -
News
Will coronavirus cripple the fight against plastic pollution?
Single-use plastics have seen a resurgence in 2020.
30 July 2020 -
British wildlife
Twelve things to see in nature this summer
Can you find these usual summer suspects on your walk?
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Gilbert White: the modern naturalist
Gilbert White's talent and passion for observing and recording nature inspired many future naturalists, including Charles Darwin.
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Anthropocene
What are invasive species?
Invasive species are a much bigger threat to nature than many people realise.
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British wildlife
What insect are you?
Are you a dazzling dragonfly, lovely ladybird or some other industrious insect? Find out with this quiz.
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British wildlife
UK moths: nine of the most colourful and distinctive
Check out these flamboyant flyers who are challenging moths' drab reputation with style.
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British wildlife
UK beetles: 17 of the most spectacular and beautiful
Discover some standout British beetles, including a particularly vibrant ladybird and a rare rainbow-coloured leaf beetle.
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Anthropocene
Nature and pollution: what lichens tell us about toxic air
Like small signposts, lichens can tell us a lot about the air we are breathing.
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Science news
Turtles have lived for 230 million years - but will they survive climate change?
Tracking the diversity of turtles could also give us clues as to how they might respond to increasing pressures in the future.
22 May 2020 -
Science news
Ocean ecosystems are more sensitive to climate change
Climate change is having a bigger impact on animals and plants in the ocean than those on land.
4 May 2020 -
British wildlife
How to grow a lawn that's better for wildlife
Attract bees to your lawn with clover, grow a mini wildflower meadow, add areas of aromatic thyme and more ideas.
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News
Scientists say we will face worse pandemics than COVID-19 unless we protect nature
Humans are the only species responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, according to leading scientists.
29 April 2020 -
British wildlife
Ways to help frogs and toads
Frogs and toads are often spotted in UK gardens, but some are struggling. Find out how you can help.
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Science news
New species from the abyssal ocean hint at incredible deep sea diversity
New species of the deep ocean floor are helping change how we think.
21 April 2020 -
British wildlife
Twenty-five years of wildlife discoveries in the Museum garden
Wildlife Garden ecologist Sylvia Myers introduces some of our favourite finds and how we monitor the plants and animals present.
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Biodiversity
Nature and breast cancer: the plants that saved a botanist's life
The great diversity of life on Earth can become a literal support system.