Inside Biodiversity
German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
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)
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)
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2025 • 39min
Can We Detect Tipping Points in the Biosphere?
Helmut Hillebrand, a professor and director focused on marine biodiversity, dives into the intricate world of ecological tipping points. He reveals the challenges in predicting these thresholds, highlighting how abrupt changes can destabilize ecosystems. Hillebrand critiques the concept of 'safe operating spaces,' warning they might overlook gradual losses that accumulate below seemingly safe limits. He emphasizes that biodiversity operates in complex ways, urging a shift in how we understand and value the resilience of our planet.
Oct 2, 2025 • 40min
How Detrimental Are Non-Native Species?
Marten Winter, an invasion biologist at iDiv and Leipzig University, is our guest. He dives into the complexities of non-native and invasive species, explaining why some, like raccoons in Europe, pose unique management challenges. The discussion touches on ethical dilemmas surrounding species control, especially in places like Australia. Marten also highlights the vulnerability of islands to invasions and emphasizes that not all non-natives are harmful. He urges awareness of our ecological footprint and practical steps to mitigate species spread.
Sep 4, 2025 • 33min
Can We Go Back to Eden?
Emma Marris, a science writer known for her work on biodiversity and conservation, dives into thought-provoking topics. She critiques the concept of 'wilderness' and suggests valuing ecosystem autonomy instead. Exploring the idea of ecosystem integrity, she argues it often masks desires for an idealized natural state. Marris emphasizes the need for a transparent approach to conservation goals shaped by human values. She challenges the perception of introduced species and advocates a nuanced understanding of ecological change, positing that not all shifts in biodiversity signify loss.
Aug 7, 2025 • 37min
How Has Biodiversity Changed Over Millions of Years?
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Susanne Fritz, a research group head at iDiv and expert in mammal and bird evolution, explores the drastic shifts in biodiversity over millions of years. She delves into the mystery of why large mammals like mammoths vanished during the last ice age and highlights the lasting impacts of climate change and human activity on today's ecosystems. Susanne also shares her thoughts on our current biodiversity crisis and the potential for future recovery, emphasizing the lessons we can learn from evolutionary history.
Jul 3, 2025 • 39min
How Concerning Is Biodiversity Change?
Henrique Pereira, a research group leader at iDiv and professor at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, shares insights on biodiversity change. He highlights alarming trends, like the decline of common North American birds, while celebrating successful recoveries due to effective environmental policies. Discussing the complexities of measuring biodiversity, he critiques oversimplified approaches and underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement in policymaking. Ultimately, Pereira encourages a balanced narrative that blends doom with hope in biodiversity conversations.
Jun 5, 2025 • 31min
Is Biodiversity Loss Always Bad?
In this intriguing discussion, Jonathan Chase, head of the biodiversity synthesis research group at iDiv, dives into the paradoxes of biodiversity loss. He explores surprising findings, such as how some disturbances can actually increase species counts. Chase elaborates on the complexities of measuring biodiversity, emphasizing that it's not simply about counting species. He also highlights the nuance in language and ethical considerations when discussing biodiversity change, urging a deeper reflection on what we value in nature.
May 1, 2025 • 29min
How Much Are Humans Changing Biodiversity?
Andrew Gonzalez, a biology professor at McGill University, dives into the complexities of biodiversity change, highlighting how human activities accelerate compositional turnover in ecosystems. He critiques time-series data for bias and emphasizes the need for nuanced interpretations of local trends. Gonzalez introduces a 'detection and attribution' approach akin to climate science, urging a focus on solutions rather than despair. He also stresses better communication of biodiversity issues, advocating for a balanced view of both challenges and opportunities in conservation.
Apr 3, 2025 • 24min
Is Biodiversity Declining Everywhere?
Maria Dornelas, a macroecologist at the University of St Andrews and the University of Lisbon, challenges the narrative of universal biodiversity decline. She reveals that local trends are mixed, highlighting the importance of nuance. Discussing the complexities of species turnover and the need for long-term data, she calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes 'good' and 'bad' biodiversity changes. Dornelas also emphasizes the critical role of effective communication in conservation and the necessity of understanding geographic and taxonomic biases in biodiversity data.
Mar 26, 2025 • 52sec
Trailer Inside Biodiversity
Inside Biodiversity is hosted by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv).
