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Rediscovering lost species and why it matters
Rediscovering lost species and why it matters

News24

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • News24

Rediscovering lost species and why it matters

Rediscovering 'lost species' may sound like a pursuit of idealistic adventurers or a scientific box-ticking exercise but, in reality, it is a vital part of conserving biodiversity in South Africa and giving it a fighting chance, writes Dr Oliver Cowan. How do you protect something if you do not know it is still alive? South Africa is home to a rich array of biodiversity with approximately 67 000 animal species and over 20 000 plant species - many of which occur nowhere else on earth. These numbers are not static, however, and increase when new species are discovered and formally described, and decrease should a species be declared extinct. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), through its Red List of Threatened Species, confirms a species' extinction only when there 'is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died'. This is determined after exhaustive surveys across the species' known range have failed to find any individuals. But what of those species in limbo? Known as 'lost species', they are defined by the re:Wild organisation as species that have not been recorded for 10 or more years. Although South Africa is relatively well surveyed in comparison to many other parts of the world, species occurrence knowledge gaps still exist. This is generally attributable to either geographic reasons - remote and inaccessible areas are hard to get to - or due to a species' behavioural ecology such that standard survey efforts are ineffective at recording the species. For example, soil-dwelling species can be challenging to find, the most energetic and swift species can be hard to capture or identify from a distance, and morphologically cryptic species can be difficult to separate from similar looking species. But why is it important to fill these knowledge gaps? Accurate and up-to-date knowledge of where a species occurs is a key component of assessing a species' risk of extinction which, in turn, informs decisions about land-use which enhances the protection of species of conservation concern. For instance, effective spatial planning for protected area expansion and delineating critical or key biodiversity areas must account for the distribution of threatened species. Similarly, legislation intended to protect species of conservation concern from further habitat loss relies heavily on this information. For example, in South Africa the scoping phase of an environmental impact assessment must include a screening report that flags the presence of species of conservation concern within the proposed development footprint. However, the data which informs the screening report's high sensitivity layer - requires records of species' occurrence from the past 20 years. It is thus entirely plausible that knowledge gaps in the form of poorly sampled regions, and/or a lack of robust extinction risk assessments, result in species slipping through the cracks. They may lose important habitat simply because we did not know that they were there. Conservationists know that targeted, species-specific surveys are essential to rediscover lost species. Unfortunately, the financial resources, time and effort needed to support these surveys are not insignificant. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been an uptick in the rediscovery of lost species. These include the rediscovery of De Winton's golden mole (Cryptochloris wintoni) in 2021 after it was last recorded in 1937; Pennington's blue butterfly (Lepidochrysops penningtoni) – rediscovered in 2021, last recorded in 1968; the orange-tailed sandveld lizard (Nucras aurantiaca) – rediscovered in 2022, last recorded in 2005; Branch's rain frog (Breviceps branchii) – rediscovered in 2023, last recorded in 2008; and the Blyde Rondawel flat gecko (Afroedura rondavelica) – rediscovered in 2025 after 33 years. READ | SEE | Five 'lost' species that have been recovered in SA The orange-tailed sandveld lizard is a prime example of the importance of targeted surveys. This charismatic reptile had miraculously only been captured once, in 2005 near Lambert's Bay, and subsequently incidentally photographed on a camera trap in 2011. The habitat in which the species is known to occur has undergone substantial historical transformations, mostly due to agriculture, and in more recent years, a slew of mining developments have occurred along the West Coast. Indeed, in 2022, a right to prospect for phosphate ore was granted that encompassed both known localities of the lizard. However, due to the paucity of information on this lost species, it was categorised as 'data deficient.' The animal's rediscovery, and the data gathered during the week-long survey, will see the species uplisted to 'endangered' and it will need to be accounted for during future development proposals. Although the aforementioned species were rediscovered thanks to expert-led surveys and supported by funding awarded to conservation NGOs, the potential role of citizen scientists should not be underestimated. With just a smartphone, apps such as iNaturalist allow anyone to upload photos and locations of species they encounter to an online database where taxonomic experts or fellow citizen scientists can identify them. In recent years, a hiker posted a picture of the cream-spotted mountain snake (Montaspis gilvomaculata) from the Drakensberg, 22 years after it was last recorded, and two records of the long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus) were verified after three decades with no sightings. Not all lost species end up being found. Despite a number of targeted surveys to rediscover Eastwood's long-tailed seps (Tetradactylus eastwoodae), the species has not been recorded for over 90 years and is now officially extinct. This is a stark reminder of the pressures facing biodiversity in South Africa. The continued degradation and loss of natural habitat, combined with a rapidly changing climate will undoubtedly see an upsurge in extinctions in the coming decades. Nevertheless, directing the limited resources at our disposal to best conserve our country's biodiversity requires robust and up-to-date information on species, and the importance of rediscovering lost species should not be overlooked. Rediscovering these species is not just about scientific curiosity - it is about ensuring they remain part of our shared natural heritage and whether through structured surveys, bioblitzes, or a well-timed iNaturalist post, we all have a role to play. Dr Oliver Cowan is a conservation scientist at Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Rabbits And Hares, Buffalo And Bison — A Biologist Sets The Record Straight On 8 Commonly Confused Animals
Rabbits And Hares, Buffalo And Bison — A Biologist Sets The Record Straight On 8 Commonly Confused Animals

Forbes

time25-05-2025

  • Science
  • Forbes

Rabbits And Hares, Buffalo And Bison — A Biologist Sets The Record Straight On 8 Commonly Confused Animals

Distinguishing closely related animal species can sometimes feel like an exercise in semantics. But ... More there are real differences between even the most identical-looking animals. A biologist explains why. In the past half century, scientists have made significant strides in accurately mapping the tree of life. Take the orca, for example. Orcas have long been classified as one widespread species with multiple subpopulations. However, new research suggests that some of these subpopulations may be different enough to warrant reclassifying them as distinct mammal species. Advances in genetic testing is one of the key reasons why the tree of life is much better understood today than it was even twenty or thirty years ago. Better genomic sequencing technologies enable scientists to quickly identity the degree of evolutionary divergence and the relationships among lineages on the tree of life, which allow us to better classify them. These distinctions, though they may sometimes feel overly granular and unnecessary, are actually quite important. For one, they allow scientists to more precisely study the process of evolution. Having good data on the time sequence of genetic differentiation can help scientists answer questions like 'How long does it take one species to evolve into another?' or 'What environmental factors accelerate, or slow down, the process of evolution?' This knowledge enhances our understanding of speciation and extinction in the animal kingdom. Here are four pairs of closely related animals that non-experts might consider interchangeable — and the biological reason why they deserve their own name. It's important to remember that common names don't always reflect our evolving understanding of an organism's place in the tree of life. Don't let the name fool you, this jackrabbit isn't a rabbit at all, but a hare (genus Lepus), with ... More longer legs and ears adapted for speed and survival in open habitats. Hares and rabbits are both members of the Leporidae family, but they have distinct physical traits and behaviors that set them apart. Most lineages within this family have traditionally been called rabbits, while the term hares is usually applied to just one genus, Lepus. However, these common names can be deceptive, as there are some exceptions. For instance, the Asian hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is actually a rabbit, while American jackrabbits (genus Lepus) are actually hares. Both animals are known for their powerful hind legs and long ears, which help them evade predators. However, hares are generally larger than rabbits and have longer legs and ears. Hares are also born fully furred and with their eyes open, a trait called precocial, whereas rabbits are born hairless, blind, and vulnerable, needing more parental care in the early stages of life. Hares tend to live in open fields or meadows and are solitary, while rabbits are more social and often live in burrows or warrens, which provide protection from predators. Their differing habitats and life strategies are a key reason for their distinct names, as these adaptations reflect divergent evolutionary paths and survival mechanisms. (Sidebar: In 1859, 24 rabbits 'colonized' a new continent — here's their story.) Hares are built for speed and agility, capable of outrunning most predators with powerful, long jumps. Their solitary nature and preference for open spaces contrast with rabbits' social structures and burrowing behavior. Evolutionarily, hares and rabbits diverged to occupy different ecological niches, leading to distinct physical characteristics and behaviors. Despite their common name, American bison aren't true buffalo. Buffalo and bison are both large, herbivorous mammals, often confused due to their similar appearances. However, they belong to different species and even distinct genera. True buffalo are native to the old world, which include the African buffalo and the Asian water buffalo. In contrast, bison are native to North America and Europe. The bison's large, hump-like shoulder, shaggy fur, and thick mane distinguish it from the smoother-coated buffalo. True buffalo also have more pronounced, curved horns, while bison's horns are shorter and more squared off. Despite their shared "buffalo" moniker, these physical differences highlight their adaptation to different environments, from the open plains of North America to the grasslands and wetlands of Africa and Asia. (Sidebar: Today's bison are small compared to the extinct giant bison — a colossal species that once roamed North America during the Pleistocene. Learn more here.) While both animals are large and social, their habitats and behaviors also differ significantly. Bison are typically found in North American grasslands, where they form large herds that graze on grasses, while buffalo are more commonly associated with tropical or subtropical climates, grazing in wetlands or forests. Bison have adapted to colder climates with thicker coats and a tendency to migrate in herds for protection, while buffalo are more accustomed to warmer environments. The distinct differences in their evolutionary history, physical traits, habitat preferences and behavior are sufficient to warrant different names. With its sleek body and pronounced beak-like snout, the bottlenose dolphin exemplifies the physical ... More and behavioral traits that distinguish dolphins from their porpoise relatives. Dolphins and porpoises are both marine mammals in the order Cetacea, but they belong to different families — dolphins are part of the Delphinidae family, while porpoises belong to the Phocoenidae family. One of the most notable differences between the two is their physical appearance. Dolphins tend to have a more streamlined body and a prominent, beak-like snout, while porpoises are generally smaller, stockier, and have a more rounded, blunt snout. Dolphins are often known for their playful behavior, acrobatic displays, and social interactions, whereas porpoises are more reserved and tend to avoid human interaction. Some species, like the common bottlenose dolphin, are widespread and globally distributed. Others are restricted to small geographic regions and face serious conservation threats. For example, the vaquita, a porpoise found only in the Gulf of California, is the world's smallest and most endangered living cetacean. Their differences in social structure and behavior play a crucial role in their survival strategies and ecological niches, with dolphins often occupying more coastal or open-water areas and porpoises preferring quieter, more sheltered habitats. Although both are intelligent and of a similar appearance, their unique behaviors and physiological traits make them deserving of separate names, as these distinctions highlight their evolutionary divergence and specialization. Common ravens, pictured here, are distinguished from crows by their larger size, wedge-shaped tails, ... More and deeper, croaking calls. Crows and ravens are both members of the Corvidae family, known for their intelligence and complex social structures. While they share many similarities, such as their adaptability to various habitats and omnivorous diets, they have key differences that set them apart. Ravens are generally larger, with wingspans reaching up to four feet, while crows are smaller, with a more compact build. Ravens also have a wedge-shaped tail, whereas crows have a fan-shaped tail. Vocalizations are another distinguishing feature; ravens produce a deep, croaking sound, while crows make a higher-pitched "caw." Ravens tend to be more solitary or live in pairs, while crows are highly social and often form large flocks. Ravens are more commonly found in remote, rugged areas such as mountains and forests, while crows are more adaptable to urban environments and agricultural areas. While both are highly intelligent and capable of problem-solving, their unique adaptations to various environments and their distinct vocalizations underscore why they are classified as separate. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know exactly how well you know your little friend.

‘Lost' species rediscovered after more than three decades
‘Lost' species rediscovered after more than three decades

The Independent

time15-05-2025

  • Science
  • The Independent

‘Lost' species rediscovered after more than three decades

A "lost" lizard species, the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko, has been rediscovered in South Africa 's Blyde River Canyon after 34 years. It was first identified in 1991, but not seen again. That led to it being thought extinct, as well as its existence as a distinct species being questioned, as some believed it to be a juvenile of another species. Researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust located and photographed several specimens in April 2025, confirming its distinct species status. The development follows other recent rediscoveries by the EWT, including a mole, butterfly, lizard, and frog. The collected data, including tissue samples, will help confirm the gecko's unique classification and contribute to its conservation.

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