Aims & Scope

npj Biodiversity is an online Open Access journal publishing basic and applied research and conceptual synthesis that advance understanding of the distribution, organization and functioning of life on Earth. We aim to publish high-quality research and discussion on any aspect of biological diversity, including genetic, species, and ecological diversity, from individuals to whole biomes, with particular interest in studies assessing how the diversity, composition, and/or abundance of organisms responds to past and present global change. We cover research on all extant and extinct taxa from terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Research articles may be based on any approach, including experiments, observational studies based on field surveys or remote sensing, applied conservation exercises, analyses of existing big data or museum specimens, and in silico simulations of theoretical models. We particularly encourage studies that integrate multiple approaches or perspectives, and welcome the presentation of new databases or methods of wide applicability. 

Important topical areas include:

  • Biogeography
  • Macroecology 
  • Macroevolution
  • Paleontology
  • Phylogeography
  • Population Ecology
  • Community Ecology
  • Functional Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Biological Invasions
  • Conservation

In addition to publishing primary research articles, we provide a forum for civil and constructive discussion of conceptual issues in biodiversity research (see list of Content Types). We welcome Comment articles assessing the limitations of current data, methodologies, theories or practical applications, and Reviews providing sound syntheses and perspectives on current biodiversity research.