US Edition'Lost' gecko species found again after 34 years
- In April 2025, two scientists from the Endangered Wildlife Trust located the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko in a remote canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, marking the rediscovery of a species not observed in over three decades.
- Since its initial discovery in 1991, the gecko had not been sighted and was considered a lost species; due to limited data on its population and condition, it was classified as data deficient by the main global organization responsible for assessing threatened wildlife.
- The researchers camped for three days on a roughly 100-meter-high, sheer cliff outcrop, the same location where the gecko was originally found, and collected tissue samples while observing 20 to 30 individuals.
- Pietersen said, "And when we did, we were elated to say the least," after capturing and photographing seven specimens of the gecko measuring 8-9 centimeters long.
- The rediscovery, the fifth recent animal the Endangered Wildlife Trust has found again, highlights ongoing gaps in biodiversity knowledge and offers potential to confirm the species' distinct identity.
18 Articles
18 Articles
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At a time when many species are facing extinction due to human-caused pollution and increasing temperatures, one hopeful note has sparked excitement: researchers have been alerted to a living specimen of a species last seen over 100 years ago. According to the Miami Herald, Pablo Sinovas encountered a small, beautifully colored reptile sitting on the trail during a two-day visit to the jungle of North Sumatra. View this post on Instagram A post …
This flat-bodied South African gecko was a ‘lost’ species. It’s been found again after 34 years
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Researchers who were dropped off by helicopter in a largely inaccessible and remote canyon in South Africa say they have discovered a type of gecko that hadn't been seen in more than 30 years…
'Lost' species, found again after 34 years
Researchers who were dropped off by helicopter in a largely inaccessible and remote canyon in South Africa say they have discovered a type of gecko that hadn’t been seen in more than 30 years and was thought to be extinct.…
King5 News
This flat-bodied South African gecko was a 'lost' species. It's been found again after 34 years
Researchers found the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko, thought extinct, in remote South African canyon after 30 years of mystery surrounding its existence.
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