The world of nature is full of surprises. Animal species evolve, adapt, and sometimes, sadly, disappear from the face of the Earth. When a species is declared extinct, it’s generally assumed they’re gone for good, relegated to the history books. However, nature has a funny way of defying expectations. Sometimes, animals thought to be long gone reappear, surprising scientists and capturing our imaginations. These creatures are known as Lazarus species, named after the biblical figure who was raised from the dead. Getting an accurate headcount of a species is tough.
These ‘resurrections’ remind us that our understanding of the natural world is always evolving. Join us as we explore ten amazing animals that were once believed to be extinct but have since been rediscovered, proving that life can find a way. Some animals thoughtfully eradicated by man or predated to extinction turn out to still be alive, sometimes even as part of a large, healthy population totally unawares of its so-called extinction.
10. Tree Lobsters
Despite their intimidating name, tree lobsters, or Lord Howe Island stick insects, are gentle giants of the insect world. These fascinating creatures were once abundant on Lord Howe Island, a small island between Australia and New Zealand. In 1918, a shipwreck introduced rats to the island, and within a few years, the rat population decimated the tree lobster population. For 80 years, they were presumed extinct. No living specimen was seen again until 80 years.
Then, in 2001, a small colony of just 24 individuals was discovered on a rocky outcrop a few miles from Lord Howe Island. This incredible find earned them the title of “the rarest insect in the world.” Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, tens of thousands of new individuals have been bred, offering hope for the future of this remarkable species.
9. The Takahe
The Takahe, a flightless bird native to New Zealand, boasts dark, iridescent plumage reminiscent of a cross between a raven and a peacock. Its story is one of resilience and conservation success. The takahe, native to New Zealand, is a flightless bird with dark, iridescent plumage that looks halfway between a raven and a peacock.
First discovered in the 1800s, its population had been declining for centuries due to habitat loss and introduced predators. By 1898, only fossil remnants remained, leading to its classification as extinct. But in 1948, the Takahe was rediscovered in a remote mountain range. Conservationists have since worked tirelessly to protect and breed the species, resulting in multiple populations thriving across New Zealand, some with as many as 400 individuals.
8. Terror Skinks
Despite their menacing name, terror skinks are more intriguing than frightening. These lizards are native to the Isle of Pines, a small island off the coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. They are thought to be near-apex predators in their environments. First discovered in 1876, they vanished for over a century and were presumed extinct. It was first discovered in 1876, but then could not be found again. It was presumed extinct for over a century, which in most cases is pretty final.
The terror skink resurfaced in 1993, delighting herpetologists worldwide. Given their limited habitat, only a small number have been found, making each sighting a significant event for skink enthusiasts.
7. The Kashmir Musk Deer
Also known as the vampire deer due to their prominent fangs, the Kashmir musk deer is a unique and elusive creature. These fangs are used by males to compete for females. Found in the Indian Himalayas, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the Kashmir variety hadn’t been seen since 1948. Expeditions in the area yielded no sightings for 60 years, leading to fears of their extinction. The musk deer is found in various places across central Eurasia, but the Kashmir variety was much more selective- found only in the Indian Himalayas, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It was last seen in 1948 and expeditions through the area turned up zero deer for 60 years.
In 2009, the Wildlife Conservation Society spotted several living members, confirming their continued existence. These elusive “vampires” are discrete and difficult to spot, making each sighting a cause for celebration.
6. The Laotian Rock Rat
The Laotian rock rat has an unusual discovery story: the first specimen was found as meat for sale in a market in southern Laos in 1996. More were found, though all had been killed for meat. It wasn’t until 2006 that a living specimen was seen, and it was then captured and studied in detail. These rodents were so distinct that scientists initially proposed an entirely new family name for them, a testament to their unique characteristics.
Further research revealed that they belonged to a family of rodents known only from the fossil record, with the last known fossils dating back 11 million years. This makes the Laotian rock rat a true living fossil, isolated from its closest relatives by millions of years.
5. Chacoan Peccaries
The Chacoan peccary is a pig-like animal from South America. Fossil evidence of its existence was found in 1930 in Argentina, and without living examples, scientists assumed it an extinct species. Native Argentinians, however, insisted they had seen the pigs many times over the years, so they must still be alive. The story of the Chacoan peccary highlights the importance of listening to local knowledge. Although fossil evidence existed since 1930, scientists dismissed local accounts of the animal’s survival.
It wasn’t until 1971 that living specimens were found, confirming the natives’ claims. Unfortunately, widespread deforestation has since threatened their existence, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by this rediscovered species. Sadly, since its discovery, the widespread deforestation of South America has threatened to turn its extinction from fiction to fact.
4. Arakan Forest Turtles
The Arakan forest turtle is undeniably cute! These charming turtles were only seen between 1875 and 1908 in Western Myanmar. The turtles were presumed extinct for almost 80 years until a freshly dead specimen was found at a market in China. The turtles were presumed extinct for almost 80 years until a freshly dead specimen was found at a market in China.
Rediscovered in Myanmar and Bangladesh, these turtles face threats from the pet trade and being used as food, leading to their critically endangered status. Their willingness to breed in captivity offers a glimmer of hope for their conservation.
3. Night Parrots
The night parrot – also known as midnight cockatoos, night parakeets, nocturnal ground parakeets – are native to Australia,. Sightings of them were fairly consistent until 1912, when it seemed as if the bird dropped from the face of the Earth. They were presumed extinct until the end of the century, when a dead specimen was found, suggested they were actually still alive.
The night parrot became a holy grail for naturalists. Sightings came in and were rigorously vetted for accuracy. Some accepted, some thrown out. Oh, the bird is indeed alive. But what is even more interesting is its Wikipedia page. Every sighting, whether evidence or body, living or dead, real or made up, is chronicled in depth. It’s worth a read, if only to show how even the most obscure topics can become a passion to a whole community.
2. The Pygmy Tarsier
Pygmy tarsiers, with their large eyes and tiny bodies, are a mix of creepy and cute. They were only recently rediscovered after 80 years of absence. The last pygmy tarsier on record before that time was in 1921. After 80 years, scientists were sure the species was extinct.
In 2000, 2 Indonesian scientists set out rat traps in the jungle and accidentally caught and killed a pygmy tarsier. It wasn’t until 2008 that three living specimens were found and recorded, making it official that these adorably haunting primates were still alive. Oh, did I mention that, unlike almost every other primate, they have claws instead of nails? Just picture one staring at you from the end of your bed. It’s not okay.
1. Coelacanth
The coelacanth is perhaps the most famous Lazarus species of all. Known from fossil evidence dating back millions of years, these fish were believed to have gone extinct. In addition, their skeletons suggested they were more related to tetrapods than modern fish. This made them a possible missing link in the evolution from ocean life to terrestrial life.
Then, in 1938, a fisherman in South Africa caught an unusual fish that caught the attention of a local museum worker, Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. She identified it as a coelacanth, changing its status from extinct for 400 million years to a living, breathing creature. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of evolution and cemented the coelacanth’s place in history.
Conclusion
The rediscovery of these ten animals reminds us that extinction is not always final. These Lazarus species offer hope and inspire us to continue exploring and protecting the natural world. Their stories underscore the importance of conservation efforts and the need to listen to local communities who often hold valuable knowledge about their environments.
What do you think about these incredible Lazarus species? Which rediscovery surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
