Welcome to the Search for Lost Species, where we look for plants, animals and fungi that have been lost to science for at least 10 years—sometimes hundreds of years. All is not lost. We can protect and restore our planet.
The most wanted lost species list is a subset of the more than 2,200 lost species across 160 countries that Re:wild has compiled in collaboration with more than 100 experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s specialist groups. Lost species are those that have been lost to science for at least 10 years—and often much longer.
In 2017, Re:wild started a global quest to find its 25 most wanted lost species—and since then, Team Re:wild has found EIGHT. That’s right. More than 1/3 of a list of animals and plants scientists feared lost have been FOUND.
Your support helps us recruit teams to head out into the wild in search of Lost Species. Eight of our Top 25 Most Wanted Lost Species have been found, but the scientists and researchers often find so much more. Share about the Search for Lost Species on social and consider making a donation to support expeditions. Let’s find something wild – for all wildkind!
What makes a species “lost”? What is considered proof of “rediscovery”? How can I join the largest search for lost species ever (according to the Guiness Book of World Records) Not to fear, our FAQ is here! This is a very important initiative and we want you to feel as informed and empowered as possible.
Visualize the details behind the list of lost species, including the geographic distribution by country, the breakdown of flora and fauna that made the list and how many are possibly extinct.
Losing a species is akin to losing a beautiful, irreplaceable, priceless work of art. Meet the renowned artists who have been inspired to create lost species artwork for the campaign.
These are the 10 most wanted lost legends. We hope to find them.
These are the 10 most wanted lost amphibians from around the world. We hope to find them.
These are the 10 most wanted lost birds. We hope to find them.
These are the 10 most wanted lost harlequin toads. We hope to find them.
These are the 10 most wanted lost freshwater fish. With Shoal and local partners, we aim to find them.
These are the 10 most wanted lost small mammals around the world. We hope to find them.