REST is a non- profit organization founded in September of 2000. Its founder has no formal conservation training but saw a desperate need for a species on the brink of local extinction. She was advised from the beginning to get the support of the trained experts and learn from them which she did. Many of the world's top vulture experts are now on her scientific board and give advice on major environmental decisions. REST began by helping only the plight of the Cape Griffon vulture, but after a few years it became apparent that there were a few species that needed specific support in Namibia. Thus the start of the 'Forgotten Five' began which has developed into the Forgotten 5 +1. These animals represent biodiversity within the entire land ecosystem of Namibia.