.
The Animals We Thought Were Extinct, But Surprise!
The Lazarus Taxon: Animals Resurrected from Extinction
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-442-ECO
Published in
09-10-2024
The Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the royal zebra, is the largest and one of the most distinctive zebras in Africa. It differs from other zebras by its narrower and more numerous stripes, which extend across its entire body, even on the lower legs.
The return of these species proves that conservation efforts are working and that there is still hope for many other endangered species. Moreover, these stories inspire us to continue working to protect the biodiversity of our planet.
Grevy's Zebras:
These zebras, the largest and least studied in the world, faced a drastic decline in their population. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have stabilized and their habitat has expanded.
New Guinea Singing Dog:
This wild dog, known for its peculiar bark, was believed to be extinct for decades. However, recent studies have confirmed its existence in some remote areas of New Guinea.
Defying Extinction: The Comeback of Forgotten Creatures
(Pygmy Chameleon, Photo: Colin Tilbury)
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon:
This tiny chameleon, one of the rarest in the world, was rediscovered in 2021 in small patches of forest in Africa. Its survival is a testament to the resilience of life in the most fragile ecosystems.
Fernandina Giant Tortoise:
This century-old tortoise, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, was found in 2019 after decades without sightings. Its return is a ray of hope for the conservation of giant species in the Galapagos.
It was long believed that the New Guinea singing dog had become extinct, but fortunately, small populations have been found in some remote areas of the island.
Pale-faced Bat:
This bat, characterized by its white fur and pale face, was rediscovered in 2019 after more than half a century without records. Its reappearance is good news for Central American ecosystems.
Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo:
This small marsupial, endemic to the rainforests of Queensland, Australia, was believed extinct for decades due to habitat loss. However, several sightings have been recorded in recent years, renewing hopes for its conservation.
It should be clarified that most of the species mentioned are still endangered. The good news is that the recovery of species believed to be extinct is of paramount importance for several reasons:
1-Indicator of ecosystem health: The return of a species indicates that environmental conditions have become more favorable, which in turn suggests that other organisms may also be recovering.
2-Maintain ecological balance: Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem. Its absence can lead to imbalances that affect other species and natural processes.
3-Intrinsic value: All species have the right to exist and to cohabit our planet. Extinction is an irreversible loss of biodiversity.
4-Scientific value: The study of these species can provide valuable information on evolution, adaptation, and ecological processes.
Related Topics
See Also
