Monster Hunter Wilds: All Endemic Life Locations Guide (Dareel and Samin’s Research Report)

In Monster Hunter Wilds, completing the Endemic Life Research side quests for Dareel and Samin can be a bit tricky. These researchers, located in the Plains Base Camp, will send you on quests to capture various endemic creatures scattered throughout the world. Here’s our guide to locate and capture all Endemic Life in Monster Hunter Wilds for Dareel and Samin’s Research Report Side Quest.

How to Start Dareel and Samin’s Research Report in MH Wilds

To begin this side quest, head to the tent at the back of the Plains Base Camp and talk to either Dareel or Samin. Keep in mind that you’ll need to progress through the game before they offer this quest. Once available, they will first request research on the Track Tail Lizard.

Monster Hunter Wilds: All Endemic Life Locations

Here are all the Endemic Life Locations in Monster Hunter WIlds:

Track Tail Lizard Location

The easiest way to find the Track Tail Lizard is to start at Kanufa Village. Use the following steps to locate them:

1. Set a waypoint near the Flashbug leading toward Area 12 and 13.
2. Exit toward these areas and look for Track Tail Lizards along the rocky terrain.
3. If they’re not immediately visible, wait or check nearby locations, as they are a common species.

How To Capture Track Tail Lizard

• Track Tail Lizards are easily startled and will burrow into the ground when threatened.
• Use your Capture Net quickly before they escape.
• If they disappear, fast travel to another location (e.g., the Oil Well Basin) and return to reset their spawn.
• Setting up a Portable Grill and resting can increase their spawn rate in some cases.

Once captured, return to Dareel and Samin to complete this portion of the quest and unlock the next research task.

Dapperwing Location

After completing the Track Tail Lizard research, speak with Samin to begin the next part of the quest: capturing a Dapperwing.

This vibrant, colorful bird is primarily found in the Forest Area, and it’s extremely common once you know where to look. Follow these steps to find one:

1. Start from the Forest Base Camp and head toward Areas 1 and 2.
2. As you approach the water’s edge, look for a large tree in front of you.
3. To the right of the tree, there will be a branch sticking out of the water—two Dapperwings often land here.

How To Capture Dapperwing

• Dapperwings are easily startled, so equip your Capture Net before approaching.
• Move slowly to avoid scaring them away.
• If they aren’t present, fast travel to another map and return to reset their spawn.
• Setting up a Barbecue and resting to make it daytime in a plenty environment can increase their chances of appearing.

Once captured, return to Samin to complete this phase of the research.

Ember Ruff Lizard Location

After completing the Dapperwing research, speak with Dareel to begin the next side mission: capturing an Ember Ruff Lizard.

This lizard can be found in the Oil Well Basin, but if Dareel doesn’t offer this quest yet, you may need to progress further in the main story before it becomes available.

To locate the Ember Ruff Lizard:

1. Start at the Oil Well Basin Base Camp.
2. Head toward Areas 3 and 4 and look for a Smoke Nut—mark this as a waypoint.
3. Use the Auto-Move feature on your mount to reach the area quickly.
4. Once there, you should spot the Ember Ruff Lizards lingering near the Smoke Nut.

How To Capture Ember Ruff Lizard

• Dismount before approaching to avoid startling them.
• If they’re not present, fast travel to another map (e.g., the Plains), then return to reset their spawn.

Once captured, return to Dareel to complete this phase of the research.

Rime Beetle Location

After completing the Ember Ruff Lizard research, speak with Samin to begin the next side mission: capturing a Rime Beetle.

This beetle is found in the Ice Shard Cliffs, but you’ll need to progress further in the main story to unlock this area and the side mission.

To locate the Rime Beetle:

1. Start at the Icy Shore Pop-Up Camp (Area 1).
2. Travel toward Area 2, marking any point within the large open space there.
3. Once inside Area 2, look around—you should spot at least three Rime Beetles resting in the middle of the area.

How To Capture Rime Beetle

• This is one of the easier captures, despite being late in the game.
• Simply take out your Capture Net and grab them.

Once captured, return to Samin to complete this phase of the research.

Gillopod Location

The Gillopod only becomes available after completing Main Story Mission 4-3, which unlocks Wyveria.

To find the Gillopod:

1. Travel to Wyveria and use the area levels to reach Area 8.
2. There’s a Pop-Up Camp nearby—set this as your base.
3. Search the walls in this area, where both Pillopods and Gillopods can be found.
4. The Gillopod is substantially larger and more colorful than the Pillopod, making it easier to distinguish.

How To Capture Gillopod

• The Gillopod is rare, so it may take multiple attempts to spawn.
• Fast travel between different maps to reset the creatures.
• Having a plenty environment active increases the chances of finding one.

Once captured, return to Samin or Dareel to complete this research phase.

Sandstar Location

The Sand Star is the trickiest endemic life to capture in Monster Hunter Wilds, often taking the longest to find.

This rare creature is found in the Windward Plains, but certain conditions must be met:

1. Rest until nighttime—the Sand Star only appears at night.
2. Ensure the environment is set to Plenty to increase its spawn rate.
3. Fast travel to Area 13 and set up a Pop-Up Camp nearby.
4. Look for a blue shimmer—this is the telltale sign of the Sand Star.
5. Head towards the rock formations above Area 13 leading into Area 12.

• If the Sand Star isn’t there, fast travel away and back to reset its spawn.
• Searching in a circular path around the sand dunes near the Oasis may help.
• Wait a few seconds upon arrival—if you move too fast, the world may not fully populate, preventing the Sand Star from spawning.
• The Sand Star glows aggressively blue and will run away if it spots you.

How to Capture the Sandstar

1. Equip a Screamer Pod before heading out.
2. If you don’t have one, obtain Screamer Pods by hunting flying creatures in the area.
3. Once you spot the Sand Star, shoot it with the Screamer Pod to stun it.
4. Quickly switch to the Capture Net and trap it.

Capturing the Sand Star will also unlock the “I Caught a Shooting Star” achievement/trophy.

Once caught, return to Dareel and Samin to complete the quest line.