10 Animals That Returned From Extinction
According to the BBC's Discover Wildlife website, these 10 animals were once presumed extinct. The third creature on this list is particularly unique, as it reappeared after centuries, leaving scientists astonished
Many creatures in the world have become extinct over time. Among them, some exist only in stories, while others have seemingly returned from the brink of extinction. These creatures were once considered lost forever, but when they were rediscovered after many years, scientists were astonished.
According to the BBC’s Discover Wildlife website, here is a list of 10 animals once presumed extinct. The third creature on this list is particularly unique because it reappeared after centuries.
related stories
Long-beaked Echidna
These are mammals that lay eggs. They have spines on their bodies and use their long beaks to eat insects. While all species of echidna are rare, the long-beaked echidna had not been seen since 1961. It was presumed extinct until November 2023, when it was unexpectedly spotted in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia. This sighting, after nearly 60 years, left scientists amazed.
Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon
In 2023, another species thought to be extinct was rediscovered after 50 years. This Australian lizard was last seen in 1969. A 2019 study suggested that it had become extinct, yet in 2023, it was surprisingly found again.
Coelacanth
In 1938, a local fisherman caught an unusual fish off the coast of South Africa. Initially mistaken for an ordinary fish, it was soon recognised by a museum researcher as a Coelacanth. A species believed to have gone extinct 60 million years ago! This discovery shocked the scientific community.
Chacoan Peccary
This pig-like creature was once thought to be extinct for centuries. Scientists had only known of it through fossils. However, in 1971, reports surfaced of an unusual pig in Argentina’s Chaco region, which turned out to be the long-lost Chacoan peccary.
Wallace’s Giant Bee
The world’s largest bee, Wallace’s giant bee, is four times the size of an ordinary bee. It was last seen in 1981 and was presumed extinct. However, in 2019, scientists rediscovered this giant insect after 38 years. It remains critically endangered today.
Cuban Solenodon
A rat-like creature with venomous saliva, the Cuban solenodon was declared extinct in 1960. By 1970, it was officially considered completely wiped out. However, in 1974, it was unexpectedly sighted in a Cuban national park, proving that it had not vanished after all.
New Guinea Big-eared Bat
This bat was first captured in 1890 and officially named in 1914 due to its distinctive large ears. After that, no further sightings were recorded for over a century. In 2012, PhD students from the University of Queensland, while collecting bats for research, stumbled upon an unidentifiable specimen. Upon further investigation, they realised it was the long-lost New Guinea big-eared bat.
Terror Skink
This lizard-like creature was first documented in 1870. By 1876, it was thought to be extinct. However, it was rediscovered in 2000 near two small islands off the coast of New Caledonia.
Antioquia Brushfinch
This Colombian bird had not been seen for 50 years before it was suddenly rediscovered in 2018. Until then, it had been considered extinct.
Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger)
The Tasmanian tiger, or Thylacine, looked like a dog but had distinct stripes on its body. The last known individual died in an Australian zoo in 1936. It remains officially extinct, having never been rediscovered. However, some optimists believe it could still exist. While scientists claim there is less than a 1% chance of its survival, they have not ruled it out entirely.
- Location :
- First Published: