Nature has a way of surprising us, often reminding us of its resilience. Throughout history, animals thought to be extinct have reappeared, defying the odds and rekindling hope for conservation. These “Lazarus species” inspire wonder and urgency to protect the biodiversity of our planet. Here are five fascinating examples:
1. Coelacanth (Coelacanthiformes)
- Thought Extinct: 66 million years ago (Late Cretaceous extinction)
- Rediscovered: 1938
The coelacanth was believed to have vanished along with the dinosaurs, existing only in fossils. That changed in 1938 when a South African fisherman caught a strange, lobe-finned fish. Dubbed the “living fossil,” the coelacanth is a deep-sea dweller that provides insights into the evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods. Today, these elusive creatures are carefully monitored in their deep ocean habitats near the Comoros Islands and Indonesia.
2. Pheasant Pigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis aruensis)
- Thought Extinct: 1882
- Rediscovered: 2022
Native to Papua New Guinea, the pheasant pigeon was a ghostly figure in ornithology for over a century. Researchers thought this ground-dwelling bird had succumbed to habitat loss. In 2022, however, it was captured on camera for the first time during a remote expedition. The rediscovery of this pigeon is a testament to the importance of preserving remote wilderness areas.
3. Takahē Bird (Porphyrio hochstetteri)
- Thought Extinct: 1898
- Rediscovered: 1948
New Zealand’s takahe, a flightless bird with vibrant blue-green plumage, was presumed extinct due to predation and habitat destruction. In 1948, biologist Geoffrey Orbell stumbled upon a small population in the remote Murchison Mountains. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat management, the takahe population has steadily grown, symbolizing the power of human intervention in saving species.
4. Vietnamese Mouse Deer (Tragulus versicolor)
- Thought Extinct: 1990
- Rediscovered: 2019
The Vietnamese mouse deer, or silver-backed chevrotain, is a tiny ungulate that vanished from scientific records after its last confirmed sighting in the early 1990s. In 2019, hidden camera traps in Vietnam captured images of this elusive creature. This rediscovery sparked new conservation efforts to protect its habitat from deforestation and poaching, highlighting the need to explore understudied regions.
5. Fernandina Island Tortoise (Chelonoidis niger phantasticus)
- Thought Extinct: 1906
- Rediscovered: 2019
The Fernandina Island tortoise, a species native to the Galápagos Islands, was thought to be extinct for over a century. In 2019, a single female was discovered on Fernandina Island, her tracks leading researchers to her location. Scientists are now working to locate more individuals and establish a breeding program to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species.
Why Rediscoveries Matter
The return of these “extinct” species is a cause for celebration but also a call to action. Each rediscovery underscores the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. Many of these species persist in remote or endangered habitats, and their survival depends on our ability to protect their environments.
These animals remind us that extinction isn’t always permanent—hope can resurface in the most unexpected ways. By investing in conservation and scientific exploration, we can uncover more of nature’s hidden stories and ensure these remarkable creatures continue to thrive.
Jan loves Wildlife and Animals and is one of the founders of Animals Around The Globe. He holds an MSc in Finance & Economics and is a passionate PADI Open Water Diver. His favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Tigers, and Great White Sharks. He lived in South Africa, Germany, the USA, Ireland, Italy, China, and Australia. Before AATG, Jan worked for Google, Axel Springer, BMW and others.
