23-05-2025
'Lost' Blyde River Flat Gecko rediscovered after 33 years
Two Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) researchers have rediscovered a gecko species that had not been seen for over 33 years - the Blyde River Flat Gecko.
Image: Endangered Wildlife Trust
A gecko species that had not been seen for over three decades has been rediscovered by two researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), bringing renewed hope for the conservation of South Africa's lesser-known species.
The Blyde River Flat Gecko (Afroedura rondavelica), first discovered in December 1991 by Dr Niels Jacobsen in the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, was only known from two male specimens. Since then, no other sightings were recorded, sparking debate about its taxonomic validity and concerns about its possible extinction.
In April 2025, EWT's Dr Darren Pietersen and John Davies accessed the remote site, a nearly inaccessible inselberg by helicopter after a two-year process to secure permits. Their successful expedition confirmed the gecko's continued existence and its taxonomic distinctness.
'This brings to four the number of 'lost species' that the EWT has rediscovered as a result of its increased focus on locating and conserving elusive, less charismatic, but critically important wildlife that is often overlooked and at risk of slipping into extinction unless urgent action is taken,' the EWT stated.
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Flat geckos are known for their micro-endemism, occurring only at one or a few localities. The Blyde River Flat Gecko is perhaps the best example, with its known range restricted to a single rocky outcrop in the canyon. Its classification as a 'lost species' by re:Wild, along with its listing as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List, reflected the lack of data and uncertainty surrounding its survival.
With the rediscovery, the EWT confirmed that 'the morphological and therefore taxonomic distinctness of the species' was validated. Tissue samples were collected to conduct genetic analyses that will further confirm its classification and help guide conservation planning.
'The ecological and population data that they collected will allow this species' conservation status to be re-evaluated, moving it out of the Data Deficient category,' the EWT added.
The EWT expressed gratitude to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) for issuing the necessary permits and pilot Jana Meyer of Hope for Wildlife for navigating the challenging helicopter journey to the inselberg. Financial support from the Anglo American Foundation and Global Affairs Canada made the expedition possible, it said.
THE MERCURY
