The Natural History Museum in London has officially added 262 newly described species of plants and animals to the scientific record for 2025, highlighting the ongoing effort to document Earth’s biodiversity. Naming a species involves detailed descriptions and preserved specimens that allow researchers to identify, compare, and track organisms over time. Collections of pinned insects, dried plants, and fossils serve as vital data sources, revealing historical ranges and evolutionary relationships. However, some species are known from only a single specimen, limiting knowledge about their ecology and complicating conservation efforts. Notably, many new species of butterflies and moths were discovered in Southeast Asian islands, while deep-sea and fossil finds continue to expand understanding of life in less accessible environments.

The process of taxonomy remains dynamic, with DNA and anatomical studies prompting revisions as new information emerges. Fossil records, including amber-preserved insects, provide detailed anatomical insights and reveal past extinctions that shape current biodiversity patterns. Despite the progress, extinction and habitat loss threaten species before they can be fully studied or protected, underscoring the urgency of rapid documentation. After naming, further fieldwork, genetic analysis, and open data sharing are crucial for understanding species’ distributions and threats. The race to catalog life is vital for informing conservation, as delayed recognition can mean species vanish before protective measures are implemented.