In the world of conservation, there is nothing more exhilarating than the unexpected rediscovery of a species thought to be extinct. These rare moments bring a mix of wonder and awe, especially when a creature believed to have vanished forever is found alive and well. These animals are known as Lazarus taxa, named after the biblical figure who was brought back to life, symbolizing the miraculous return of long-lost species. Though these rediscoveries are not miracles, they are often a result of elusive creatures, hiding in remote habitats or simply being overlooked. Here are some of the most astonishing Lazarus taxa, showcasing the resilience of nature.

Credits: Newyork times

The Long-Beaked Echidna: A Spiny Marvel Animal

The long-beaked echidna, an oddball among mammals, was believed to have vanished for decades. This egg-laying monotreme, known for its protective spines and long snout, was first described in 1961 and had not been seen since. Scientists were certain it had gone extinct, but in November 2023, a breakthrough occurred. Footage captured the mammal in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia, over 60 years after its last sighting. This rediscovery highlights the elusive nature of the species, which was never truly gone, just incredibly hard to find.

The Victorian Swamp Skink Animal: A Surprising Comeback

Once common in the state of Victoria, the Victorian swamp skink was thought to be extinct after the 1960s due to habitat destruction. A 2019 study even declared it likely gone forever. But in 2023, a determined ecological survey uncovered the species, and further fieldwork revealed 16 individuals, now under breeding programs at Melbourne Zoo. The rediscovery of this lizard offers hope for the survival of species thought to be lost to human activity.

The Coelacanth: A Fish from the Past

No Lazarus taxon is more iconic than the coelacanth. This ancient fish, once thought to have gone extinct alongside the dinosaurs over 66 million years ago, was unexpectedly found alive in 1938. Fishermen off the coast of South Africa brought up a specimen, and museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer recognized its significance. The coelacanth’s return is one of the most important zoological discoveries of the 20th century, proving that sometimes, nature has more surprises in store than we expect.

Wallace’s Giant Bee: The Colossal Rediscovery

The world’s largest bee, Wallace’s giant bee, had not been seen for 38 years, leading scientists to fear it had disappeared for good. This remarkable insect, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches, was rediscovered in 2019 when a single specimen was found nesting in a termite mound in Indonesia. Despite its rediscovery, the species remains vulnerable due to habitat loss from palm oil plantations. Its surprise return is a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of environmental threats.

The Cuban Solenodon animal: A Venomous Mammal’s Return

The Cuban solenodon, a venomous, nocturnal mammal, was declared extinct in the 1970s. But in 1974, a single individual was discovered, raising hopes for the species’ survival. This shrew-like creature, with venomous saliva animal used to kill small prey, is now one of the rarest mammals on Earth. The solenodon’s rediscovery is a crucial reminder that even when a species seems lost, there’s always a chance for a comeback.

The Big-Eared Bat: A Long-Lost Night Flyer

First collected in 1890 and not seen again until 2012, the big-eared bat was thought to be lost forever. This bat, identified by its distinctive large ears, had been absent for over 100 years before two lucky University of Queensland students rediscovered it. The big-eared bat’s return underscores the importance of museum collections and the persistence of researchers in the search for elusive species.

The Terror Skink: A Lizard from the Past

The terror skink, first captured in 1870 and presumed extinct, was rediscovered in 2000 on a tiny islet off the coast of New Caledonia. Its extremely limited range and elusiveness kept it out of sight for over a century. The terror skink’s rediscovery proves that even the smallest, most obscure animal may still be hiding in the least expected places.

The Colombian Brushfinch: A Rare Bird’s Return

The Colombian brushfinch was last seen alive nearly 50 years ago and thought to be extinct. In 2018, a local birdwatcher spotted it during his routine walk to Sunday mass, reviving hope for the species. Researchers have since found more individuals, giving hope for the bird’s future survival and demonstrating how local knowledge can sometimes be the key to rediscovering lost species.

The Tasmanian Tiger: The One That Got Away?

The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, is perhaps the most famous “lost” species. Declared extinct in the 1960s, sightings of the thylacine have persisted, fueling cryptozoology enthusiasts’ hopes that it may still be out there. Though scientists consider the chances of the thylacine’s survival less than 1%, its continued place in popular culture serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s fascination with lost species.

Conclusion: Nature’s Resilient Wonders

Lazarus taxa reveal the extraordinary resilience of nature and the mystery that still surrounds many species. While some of these creatures have been rediscovered, their futures remain uncertain, with threats like habitat destruction and climate change looming over them. The rediscovery of these species encourages us to keep searching and to preserve the natural world before more animals disappear forever. These Lazarus creatures prove that even when all hope seems lost, nature still has the capacity to surprise us.