Page Content
From the most far-off pristine areas to the most threatened, we deploy teams of scientists around the globe to find out what's there and what's missing.
Sometimes they discover all kinds of life the world never knew existed. Sometimes they find species we thought we had lost forever. Other times, they're messengers of bad news, alerting us to wildlife on the brink of extinction or those that have disappeared forever.
IN DEPTH: Discover some of the many species that CI has found and learn how we do it.
Difficult-to-reach places are, understandably, often poorly understood. Our Rapid Assessment Program aims to shed much-needed light on these spots. We send research teams on speedy expeditions to our priority areas, where they explore and record what wildlife exists. This data helps scientists determine whether a species or site is threatened.
Besides doing quick surveys, we also monitor long-term trends in biodiversity. Using a network of field stations in the tropics, our Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring (TEAM) program serves as an early warning system about wildlife under threat. Each station monitors how climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental factors are affecting an area’s biodiversity.
LEARN MORE: View all Rapid Assessment expeditions.
We make our extensive scientific results accessible and immediately available to decision-makers and other research institutions. That way, they can develop the most appropriate and effective actions and policies to protect life on Earth.
Subsection 01
During the month of September a team of 16 people are setting sail to study of the ocean habitat of the Phoenix Islands and document the underwater life. Follow along on their adventure and discover this unique, pristine wilderness.
Subsection 02
Data from this expedition will support the proposal by the local people for stronger protection which will enable them to zone the area for strict protection, research, tourism and other livelihood activities.
Subsection 03
Some say that paradise found is paradise lost, but raising awareness about the biological wealth of the Konashen COCA may be the key to the area's long-term survivial.
Subsection 04
Our first expedition to the Foja Mountains of Indonesia revealed a treasure trove of new species. This second time we came back with even more. Explore the Foja Mountains with us.
Subsection 05
Sterling Zumbrunn, CI's Director of Photography, explored the Halmahera Sea and its surrounding islands. And he and his team shared their experiences and photographs with us every chance they got.
Cambodia Freshwater Expedition – Preliminary Report
Our scientists surveyed Virachey National Park in Cambodia, a protected area encompassing diverse habitats and wildlife. Final results are still pending, but you can get a sneak peek of their findings here.
Pantanal Expedition, Brazil
Join CI's adventures in the Pantanal and Cerrado regions of Brazil. The Pantanal Expedition occurred in late February 2002, but you can still follow their entire journey through this virtual Expedition.
Eastern Kanuku Mountains, Guyana
CI surveyed the Western Kanuku Mountains of Guyana in 1993. Eight years later we went back to study the Eastern side and this time we're bringing you along to follow our scientists virtually.
The Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is the world's second largest wetland – it spans four countries and supports over 150,000 people. Join our scientists in exploring its unique diversity.
Irian Jaya, Indonesia
New discoveries are made in Indonesia on nearly every scientific survey. Our assessment in 2000 was no exception, and these notes will show you how we did it.
Caura River Basin, Venezuela
Join field biologists tracking species in Venezuela's Caura River Basin. They surveyed freshwater fishes, invertebrates and plants, and evaluated water quality and geomorphology. Not bad for a three week trip.