# Scientific initiative to track lost species

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-initiative-to-track-lost-species
> Updated: 2026-10-13T22:05:28.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Researchers, including University of Nevada, Reno entomologist Matthew Forister, have launched the ‘Journal of Lost Species’. This scientific initiative aims to document organisms that fall into a gray area between being endangered and extinct, specifically those that have not been observed in surveys for a decade or more.

The project seeks to provide a formal record for these ‘lost’ species to prevent unrecorded extinctions and prompt renewed searches by field teams. In Nevada, the initiative addresses significant biodiversity challenges, as the state has seen approximately 20 animal species extirpated and manages nearly 50 species with federal endangered or threatened status.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Nevada scientists launch journal to track ‘lost’ species

Scientists have launched the Journal of Lost Species to document plants and animals that have not been sighted in a decade or more, targeting species in the gap between endangered and extinct.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nevada-scientists-launch-journal-to-track-lost-species

### 2026-10-11: Nevada researchers track ‘lost’ species to prevent unrecorded extinctions

Scientists are using a new ‘lost species’ designation to track plants and animals not seen in a decade, aiming to prevent unrecorded extinctions and prompt renewed biodiversity searches.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nevada-researchers-track-lost-species-to-prevent-unrecorded-extinctions

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Cite as: Scientific initiative to track lost species. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-initiative-to-track-lost-species