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Measuring biodiversity and extinction

Museum scientists are working all over the world, often in remote and inhospitable areas, to try to understand how many plants and animals are becoming extinct or endangered. As well as mapping new and unknown species, they are studying how populations and habitats are changing. 

With millions of species, it’s an enormous task. But studying a selection of species from around the world can help reveal what is happening on a larger scale.

  • Flat-backed (Polydesmida) millipede in Borneo
    Borneo biodiversity count (video)

    Just what extraordinary creatures are living in the Borneo rainforests? Join a Museum team on location as they survey the incredible diversity of insects and other invertebrates.

  • Peat swamp fish species, Paedocypris carbunculus
    Fishing for new life (video)

    Meet some of the strange life forms Museum fish researchers are uncovering in the peat swamps of Southeast Asia. Over half of these unique ecosystems have already been destroyed.

  • Cycads are one of the world's most threatened plant groups
    Plants under pressure (video)

    Find out how scientists discovered that one-in-five of the world’s plants is threatened with extinction. Where are they most at risk?