Uproar Conservation Challenge initiative brings worldwide attention to lesser-known species

The Uproar Conservation Challenge was launched in March to highlight vulnerable and endangered species and spark curiosity, inspire learning and mobilize action. In a game format, participants learned about the 64 species chosen for the challenge and cast their vote for which species should receive the $10,000 grand prize. Each week participants formed a connection with their favorite species and returned to vote and advance their species to the next round.  

IUCN SSC Specialist Groups partnered throughout the selection of the species and the three weeks of voting. The grand prize gave the groups a tangible goal to rally their supporters and to spread their conservation message. In the end, the Bolivian ornate tiger beetle became the “little beetle that could.” Bolivians united in their efforts to make sure the beetle made it through each round of voting. They did so well that Bolivia became the highest voting country in the challenge, followed by Malaysia and the United States. 

The Bolivian ornate tiger beetle

Rediscovered in 2020, the Bolivian ornate tiger beetle (Pometon bolivianus) has become an icon in Bolivia for conservation efforts and school outreach efforts. The Bolivian Red Book categorized the beetle as critically endangered, their main threats are agriculture expansion, habitat loss, fire and climate change impacts. The Bolivian ornate tiger beetle is a bioindicator, which means that when they are found, it is a sign that the ecosystem is healthy in that area.

“It is great to see that even a small beetle species can create such a strong interest in nature conservation. Tiger beetles are not only very important parts of the ecosystem, they are also incredibly beautiful and good ambassadors for insect conservation” said Axel Hochkirch, chair of the IUCN SSC Invertebrates Conservation Committee. 

The Bolivian Ornate Tiger Beetle is a rare beauty that nearly became a ghost. After its discovery in 1989, the species vanished for over 30 years, leading many to fear it was extinct. However, a recent expedition successfully located four survivors clinging to the shrinking Chiquitano savanna. Now, this beetle is at the heart of Bolivia's conservation efforts, inspiring a new wave of environmental protection. 

“By winning the Uproar contest, the species has brought a sense of pride and global recognition to Bolivia—not just for the beetle itself, but for the country’s immense biodiversity and the growing movement to save it” said David Pearson, co-chair of the IUCN SSC Tiger Beetle Specialist Group 

Uproar Conservation Challenge impact 

What started as an event meant to capitalize and leverage attention brought to Indianapolis by a famous basketball tournament in the U.S., turned into a worldwide phenomenon that rallied supporters of 64 lesser known animals, plants, and fungi to educate and share the importance of these species and conservation.

“The Uproar Conservation Challenge brings many unknown or overlooked species into the public eye. That shift in awareness is important because effective conservation means protecting all species, not just the familiar ones,” said Dr. Nico de Bruyn, Indianapolis Zoo vice president for Conservation and Education and director of the IUCN SSC Global Center for Species Survival, hosted by Indianapolis Zoo.

This challenge was about more than just money; it was about raising international awareness of these species and conservation. The Uproar Conservation Challenge brought more than 346,000 visitors to the voting website, who learned more about conservation and all the species at risk today.