The Search for Lost Species is a global initiative aimed at locating and protecting species that haven’t been documented in over a decade. With more than 4,300 species on the list, it’s a race against time to save these vulnerable species, requiring every tool and resource at our disposal. Re:wild taps into the allure of adventure and discovery by inviting the public to report sightings and observations of lost species through platforms like iNaturalist, PADI Aware’s Shark and Ray Census, and Cornell’s eBird. Before launching field searches, researchers often survey local communities to gather the most up-to-date knowledge from those who know these species best. In this roundtable, we will explore how citizen science is transforming the Search for Lost Species and amplifying conservation efforts.

Speakers:

Lindsay Renick Mayer, Director of Communications, Re:wild

Brian Sullivan, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Ian Campbell, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, PADI AWARE Foundation

Carrie Seltzer, Head of Engagement, iNaturalist

Stuart Cable, Botanist, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Pav Johnsson, Citizen Scientist, Rediscoverer of the Frosted Phoenix