How do you find a ‘lost’ species?
Summary
This episode explores "lost species"—those not recorded in the wild for over a decade—featuring Dr. Matt Forrester, editor of the Journal of Lost Species. He discusses the scientific definition and the ecological impact of extreme rarity. Later, firefly researcher Candice Fallon details efforts to locate lost firefly species in North America through the Firefly Atlas community science project.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Science Friday introduction
Defining the biodiversity crisis and lost species
Official definition of a species lost to science
The purpose of the Journal of Lost Species
Ecological impact and the detective work of finding species
Distinguishing between lost and extinct species
Case study: The Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly
Sponsors and transition to firefly segment
Introduction to firefly researcher Candice Fallon
Firefly diversity: Daytime, glowworms, and communication
Hunt for the elusive Nelson's Desert firefly
Challenges of fieldwork and narrow activity windows
Potential rediscovery of the granular necked firefly
Community science: The Firefly Atlas project
Credits and call for ocean stories
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