What are the Eight Species that are Rediscovered After Being Lost for Decades?

Nature is full of surprises, and over the years, many unique species, such as the Dodo (17th century), Tasmanian Tiger (1936), and West African Black Rhinoceros (2011), have disappeared, but sometimes animals and plants we thought had disappeared forever make an unexpected comeback. Many species have gone extinct due to habitat loss, climate change, hunting, and other human activities. But thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, scientists have rediscovered several species that have been missing for decades. Since 2017, organisations like Re:wild have helped find eight such species, proving that some of nature’s lost creatures are still out there. From the world’s largest bee to a rare tortoise last seen over a century ago, these rediscoveries offer hope for conservation and highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. In this article, we will explore all eight species that were rediscovered after Being lost for Decades

Key Takeaways

 ✔ Conservation efforts can lead to remarkable rediscoveries.
✔ Protection of habitats is crucial for the survival of endangered species.
✔ Awareness and scientific research play a vital role in species conservation.
✔ Every rediscovery offers a chance to restore balance to fragile ecosystems.

Rediscovered Species

1. Wallace's Giant Bee

• Scientific Name: Megachile Pluto
• Rediscovered In: 2019 (after 38 years)
• Location: North Moluccas, Indonesia
• Key Features:
• Largest known bee species
• Females grow up to 4.5 cm (1.7 inches) in length with a wingspan of 6 cm (2.3 inches)
• Historical Significance: First documented in 1858 by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace
• Conservation Efforts: Conservationists aim to protect this species by increasing awareness and discouraging illegal collection.

2. Jackson’s Climbing Salamander

• Scientific Name: Bolitoglossa jacksoni
• Rediscovered In: 2017 (after 42 years)
• Location: Yal Unin Yul Witz Reserve, Guatemala
• Key Features:
• Also called the "Golden Wonder"
• Discovered by a park guard during his lunch break
• Impact of Rediscovery: Led to reserve expansion to protect its habitat.

3. Silver-backed Chevrotain

• Scientific Name: Tragulus versicolor
• Rediscovered In: 2019 (after 28 years)
• Location: Annamese Mountains, Vietnam
• Key Features:
• Also known as the deer-mouse
• About the size of a rabbit
• Current Conservation Status: Two small populations have been identified, and studies on habitat threats and distribution are ongoing.

4. Somali Sengi

• Scientific Name: Elephantulus revoilii
• Rediscovered In: 2020 (after 51 years)
• Location: Djibouti
• Key Features:
• A type of elephant, despite its name
• More closely related to elephants than shrews
• Rediscovery Effort: A team set up 1,259 live traps across 12 locations and captured 12 Somali Sengis, marking the first-ever live documentation of the species.

5. Fernandina Galápagos Tortoise

• Scientific Name: Chelonoidis phantasticus
• Rediscovered In: 2019 (after 113 years)
• Location: Fernandina Island, Galápagos Islands
• Key Features:
• Previously known from a single specimen found in 1906
• Confirmed to be the same species through genetic analysis in 2021
• Conservation Status: Critically endangered, with ongoing searches for more individuals.

6. Sierra Leone Crab

• Scientific Name: Afrithelphusa leonensis
• Rediscovered In: 2021 (after 66 years)
• Location: Sierra Leone, West Africa
• Key Features:
• Brightly colored freshwater crab
• Lives in burrows away from permanent water sources
• Rediscovery Effort: A three-week expedition led by Pierre A. Mvogo Ndongo, who found six specimens after extensive searching.

7. Voeltzkow’s Chameleon

• Scientific Name: Furcifer voeltzkowi
• Rediscovered In: 2018 (announced in 2020)
• Location: Madagascar
• Key Features:
• Displays striking colors, including purple, orange, red, green, black, and white
• Only found in Madagascar, home to nearly half of the world’s chameleon species
• Significance: Serves as a flagship species for conservation efforts in Madagascar.

8. Velvet Pitcher Plant

• Scientific Name: Nepenthes mollis
• Rediscovered In: 2019 (after 101 years)
• Location: Borneo, Indonesia
• Key Features:
• The carnivorous plant that traps insects and digests them using enzymes
• Originally documented in 1918
• Conservation Message: Highlights the importance of preserving plant biodiversity, as plants play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems.

Conclusion

The rediscovery of these species provides hope for conservation and underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats. Organisations like Re:wild play a crucial role in locating and protecting these species from future extinction. However, efforts must continue to ensure these rediscovered species thrive in their natural environments.

This list of rediscovered species serves as a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of conservation. With continuous efforts, many more species may be found, protected, and saved from the brink of extinction.