Inside Biodiversity

In this episode, macroecologist Damaris Zurell and host Volker Hahn look at what the data tell us about bird change worldwide. While bird numbers (abundance) have declined in Europe and North America, some species are increasing—and local species richness can remain stable even as bird communities undergo major changes. They discuss the roles of habitat loss, land-use change, climate change and direct exploitation, and explore what can be done to protect birds—from international conservation efforts to creating better habitats in our own gardens.

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.

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.