Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 16 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00125-xThe question of how to define a species has a long history and continued relevance for ongoing biological and conservation research. This Review describes the history of the species problem, and explores how novel evolutionary pressures and constraints of the Anthropocene might be complicating species definitions even further.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 22 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00120-2Global shark and ray populations have declined sharply, driven by expanding fisheries and inequitable gaps in catch, trade and distribution data. This Review assesses global status, highlights drivers of decline, and outlines the regulatory, market-based and conservation actions needed to reduce mortality and reverse shark and ray biodiversity loss.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 14 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-026-00129-1Why 50-year studies are needed in a 3-year-grant world

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 20 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00116-yMarine spatial planning (MSP) and ecosystem restoration are effective approaches to address marine and coastal biodiversity loss and meet Global Biodiversity Framework targets, but have been applied separately to date. This Perspective outlines how ecoscape restoration and climate-smart MSP can be aligned to deliver reciprocal benefits and accelerate biodiversity recovery.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global framework for protecting migratory species, yet freshwater fishes remain underrepresented in the CM...

Our team reflects on a successful first year and discusses our continued aspiration to be an outlet for effective syntheses of essential advances in biodiversity science and policy.

To celebrate our first anniversary, we are launching a new collection of articles that address the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity targets; see Editorial.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00127-9Our team reflects on a successful first year and discusses our continued aspiration to be an outlet for effective syntheses of essential advances in biodiversity science and policy.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00122-0Biodiversity surveys and monitoring programmes hold promise for guiding evidence-based conservation in China, but inconsistent survey methodologies, insufficient oversight and flawed data management undermine the reliability and utility of these datasets. China should draw on international best practices to improve data integration, verification, and management, to ultimately strengthen its conservation outcomes.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 12 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00118-wGenome engineering for conservation might be a game changer but only with the incorporation of Indigenous voices

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 12 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00119-9Reply to ‘Genome engineering for conservation might be a game changer but only with the incorporation of Indigenous voices’

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 12 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00123-zSoil biodiversity is poorly studied compared to aboveground biodiversity, but is an important driver of ecosystem functioning. This Review discusses advances in research into the relationships between soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, highlighting that integrative and causal study approaches will be needed to fill the gaps in our understanding.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 11 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00121-1The hidden tempo of ecological communities

The new High Seas Treaty presents an unprecedented opportunity to protect and sustainably use the biodiversity in an area that covers nearly half the planet. Jane Lubchenco calls on scientists to help...

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 16 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00125-xThe question of how to define a species has a long history and continued relevance for ongoing biological and conservation research. This Review describes the history of the species problem, and explores how novel evolutionary pressures and constraints of the Anthropocene might be complicating species definitions even further.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 15 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00124-yThe new High Seas Treaty presents an unprecedented opportunity to protect and sustainably use the biodiversity in an area that covers nearly half the planet. Jane Lubchenco calls on scientists to help it to succeed by encouraging rapid global ratification, promoting science-based decisions and identifying strong options for effective marine protected areas.

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 14 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-026-00129-1Why 50-year studies are needed in a 3-year-grant world

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 06 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00115-zThe Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global framework for protecting migratory species, yet freshwater fishes remain underrepresented in the CMS appendices. Strengthening links between research, science communications, policy development and CMS implementation can generate synergistic effects that enhance conservation of migratory freshwater fishes.