From freshwater to deep space: A 2025 review of biodiversity

Recent research shows that around a quarter of the world's freshwater animals are threatened with extinction. The decline of freshwater species is occurring faster than that of terrestrial and marine species, driven by habitat loss, pollution, water infrastructure development and climate change.

This trend poses risks not only to biodiversity but also to water security and ecological stability for human societies.

Against this global warning, the past year has seen sustained conservation actions across China and other parts of the world. From the discovery of new species to the recovery of endangered ones, and from technological applications to international cooperation, these cases form key snapshots of biodiversity protection efforts in 2025.

Rare Acer miaotaiense discovered in northwest China's nature reserve

A wild population of the rare tree species Acer miaotaiense has been found in a nature reserve in northwest China. The finding provides direct evidence for assessing the species' population status and supports future in-situ conservation and research efforts.

New insect species found at urban wetland in south China

Researchers have identified a previously unrecorded insect species, named Eidoreus haizhuensis, during fieldwork in an urban wetland in south China. According to the study, the discovery is linked to the wetland's relatively intact vegetation and hydrological conditions, underscoring the biodiversity value of urban wetlands.

Rare snakebird sighted in S China's Hainan for first time

The rare Oriental darter has been recorded in Hainan for the first time. Researchers noted that the species is highly sensitive to water quality, making its appearance a positive indicator of improving freshwater and wetland ecosystems on the island.

Rare sea creature dugong sighted off South China Sea reef

A rare dugong has been sighted near a coral reef in the South China Sea. As dugongs rely heavily on seagrass for food, the sighting suggests that the surrounding marine ecosystem still supports vulnerable species.

Self-sustaining wild population of crested ibises formed in C China

A self-sustaining wild population of crested ibises has formed in Mount Langshan, a World Natural Heritage site in central China's Hunan Province. Conservation efforts combining habitat restoration, captive breeding and scientific release have contributed to the species' successful rewilding.

Kenya begins translocation of black rhinos to boost conservation

Kenya has launched a translocation program for black rhinos, moving them to better-managed reserves with lower poaching risks. The initiative aims to improve population structure and enhance the species' long-term survival prospects.

Golden snub-nosed monkeys from China make European debut at French zoo

Golden snub-nosed monkeys from China have made their European debut at a French zoo. The program combines public exhibition with scientific and educational initiatives to raise awareness of endangered primate conservation.

Miami zoo's 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise enjoys first Father's Day

A 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise at the Miami Zoo in the U.S. celebrated its first Father's Day. The case offers rare observational data on reproduction, lifespan and population management in long-lived species.

China's underwater tech guards porpoises worldwide

Chinese research teams are using underwater acoustic monitoring, imaging technologies and intelligent data analysis to conduct long-term, non-invasive tracking of porpoises.

These tools support the conservation of the Yangtze finless porpoise and are also applied to the study and management of small cetaceans in other regions, highlighting the role of technology in biodiversity protection.

Two more reserves in China join UNESCO world biosphere network

Two additional nature reserves in China have joined UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The move promotes knowledge exchange and integrates local conservation practices into a broader international framework.

China's 'mice astronauts' and their challenging journey to space

While the cases above focus on protecting life on Earth, scientific research is extending biodiversity-related studies into space. China's "mice astronauts" have taken part in multiple space experiments, offering new scientific evidence on how living organisms respond to microgravity and radiation.

From freshwater ecosystems to experiments in deep space, these annual cases illustrate the multiple scales and pathways of biodiversity protection. Together, they show that safeguarding biodiversity is not only an ecological task, but an ongoing scientific, social and governance endeavor.

(Cover: Tibetan antelopes in Hoh Xil, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China. /VCG)