The creations of biodigital convergence are redefining what constitutes life, just as a mass extinction is taking place. Emerging synthetic life includes biological robots, digitally controlled dragonflies, and internet-connected implants in humans. What future natural history is being created today? The developments raise complex philosophical, societal and ecological questions about the kind of future present biotechnologies are ushering in. We explore what becomes of nature when life is synthetic and ask what role biotech can play in ecological restoration.