How many new species did the Natural History Museum describe in 2025?

In 2025, scientists at the Natural History Museum formally described an impressive 262 new species, adding them to the scientific record. This extensive work involved curators, researchers, and scientific associates who diligently collected, studied, and cataloged the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth throughout the year. The discoveries spanned a vast array of life forms, from tiny parasitic crustaceans to ancient dinosaurs that once roamed the flood plains of the Isle of Wight.

The ongoing effort to identify and name new species is a critical component of understanding and protecting global biodiversity, especially in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. By giving these organisms official scientific names, researchers can better compare specimens, track threats, and contribute to conservation efforts before species are lost. This fundamental work is essential for building a comprehensive record of life on our planet, providing crucial data for those making decisions about how best to safeguard the natural world.

Among the fascinating new species described in 2025 were glittering jewel butterflies from the islands of Southeast Asia, including a strikingly orange-winged species found flitting over the rainforest hilltops of Borneo. Scientists also named three new species of live-bearing tree toads from the highlands of eastern Africa, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique forest habitats. Additionally, the discoveries included a new moth, *Topiris thunbergella*, named in honor of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and a 500-million-year-old fossil that shed light on how starfish evolved their five arms. These examples underscore the vast amount of life still awaiting discovery, from the depths of the oceans to ancient geological records.