Medical bills, financial hardship, charity and tragedy - crowdfunding is an increasingly popular way to raise money quickly and Queensland researchers have studied its role in conserving some of the world’s rarest species.

The African lion, the African elephant and Australian species such as Tasmania's orange-bellied parrot have all benefited from researchers and scientists calling for donations.

The orange-bellied parrot is one of Australia's most critically endangered birds. Credit:Justin McManus

University of Queensland PhD student Eduardo Gallo-Cajiao has been researching the effect of crowdfunding on conservation and biodiversity.

Crowdfunding to save rare animals was in the media frequently but rarely studied, he said, with plenty of questions about its role and long-term impacts still to be answered.