What do we really know about biodiversity? Inside Biodiversity brings you in-depth conversations with leading researchers tackling the most pressing and controversial questions in biodiversity science. Each episode features experts who challenge common narratives, reveal surprising trends, and explore solutions for conservation.
From species extinctions to ecosystem resilience, we go beyond the headlines to uncover the complexities of nature. Whether you're a scientist, conservationist, or just curious about the state of life on Earth, this podcast will change the way you see biodiversity.
Inside Biodiversity is hosted by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
In this episode, podcast host Volker Hahn talks to Louise McRae about the new Living Planet Index (LPI) featured in WWF’s new Living Planet Report, published on 8 October, 2026.
The LPI receives a lot of media attention, but some media coverage has misrepresented what the index actually shows. We take a closer look at what the LPI actually tells us.
In this episode, host Volker Hahn speaks with macroecologist Shai Meiri about the state of reptiles worldwide. Which reptile groups are most threatened? Why do we know so little about lizards and snakes? And how do public perceptions influence research and conservation? The episode explores global reptile trends, the major threats they face, and why these often-overlooked animals deserve far more attention.
Is biodiversity always declining? Or is the story more complicated? In this special review episode, host Volker Hahn revisits highlights from previous episodes to explore biodiversity change and the biodiversity conservation paradox. Featuring insights from leading researchers, the episode explains why biodiversity trends depend on scale, the metrics we use, and the species we study. It revisits scientific debates, challenges common assumptions, and shows why understanding biodiversity change requires nuance rather than simple narratives.
In this episode, plant ecologists Ute Jandt and Helge Bruelheide explain why a greener planet isn’t necessarily a more diverse one. They discuss global greening, the rise of generalist species, the homogenisation of ecosystems, and how rewilding, forestry, and agriculture can help conserve plant biodiversity in a changing world with podcast host Volker Hahn.