Let’s find something WILD. For ALL wildkind.

The Search for Lost Species is all about looking 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.

Re:wild's Most Wanted Lost Species

Re:wild’s most wanted lost species list is a subset of more than 4,300 lost species across nearly 200 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.

The search for Re:wild's most wanted lost species is supported by

Fifteen lost species have been found.

In 2017, Re:wild started a global quest to find the most wanted lost species—and since then fifteen have been rediscovered, many with the support of Re:wild.

Want to know how you can support scientific expeditions to find lost species?

Your support helps us recruit teams to head out into the wild in search of lost species. Thirteen of Re:wild's 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Guinness Book of World Records)? Not to fear, our FAQ is here!

More About Lost Species

Lost Species: by the numbers

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.

Lost Species: meet the artists

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.

Get the full list

Re:wild’s most wanted lost species list is a subset of more than 4,300 lost species across nearly 200 countries.

Lost Species Lists

Lost Birds

These are the 10 most wanted lost birds. We hope to find them.

Lost Sharks

The Search for Lost Sharks is currently focusing on searching for 10 species spread across the world.

Lost Fishes

These are the 10 most wanted lost freshwater fish. With Shoal and local partners, we aim to find them.

Lost Amphibians

These are the 10 most wanted lost amphibians from around the world. We hope to find them.

Lost Harlequin Toads

These are the 10 most wanted lost harlequin toads. We hope to find them.

Lost Small Mammals

These are the 10 most wanted lost small mammals around the world. We hope to find them.

Lost Legends

These are the 10 most wanted lost legends.