TED Talks Daily The surprising power of your nature photos | Scott Loarie
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Jun 11, 2025 
Scott Loarie, a biologist and entrepreneur, invites you to connect with nature by taking photos of living things. He highlights the power of citizen science, showcasing how pictures contribute to critical conservation efforts. One inspiring story reveals how a school teacher’s photo led to the rediscovery of a forgotten moth species. Loarie discusses initiatives like iNaturalist that encourage community involvement in preserving wildlife, proving that individual actions can lead to significant environmental changes.
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Rediscovery of the Frosted Phoenix
- A Swedish birdwatcher unknowingly helped rediscover the frosted phoenix moth after it was thought extinct for a century.
- He simply took a photo of the moth on his hotel balcony in New Zealand and shared it, aiding science unexpectedly.
Extinction as Attention Crisis
- The extinction crisis stems partly from an attention crisis where people disconnect from nature.
- Noticing and caring about species is crucial for their protection.
Join Citizen Science Projects
- Go outside and take pictures of any living thing, then share with a global community for scientific verification.
- Use citizen science platforms like iNaturalist to contribute to important ecological data.