Back from the Brink: Animals Once Declared Extinct but Rediscovered

 

In the natural world, extinction is usually thought of as the ultimate end. Once a species disappears, it is gone forever. Yet history shows us that sometimes, nature surprises us. A number of animals once declared extinct have later been rediscovered, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Lazarus effect” in biology, named after the biblical figure Lazarus who rose from the dead. These rediscoveries highlight not only the resilience of wildlife but also the limitations of human knowledge and exploration.

Why Do Species Get Declared Extinct?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the Red List of Threatened Species. A species is listed as Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. However, in practice, this can be difficult to prove. Remote habitats, elusive behaviors, and incomplete surveys mean some species are prematurely written off. When they reappear, these animals challenge assumptions about extinction and conservation.

Famous Examples of "Extinct" Animals That Returned

1. Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae)

Perhaps the most famous case, the coelacanth is a prehistoric fish thought to have vanished 66 million years ago with the dinosaurs. In 1938, a living specimen was caught off the coast of South Africa, shocking scientists. Today, coelacanths are known to inhabit deep waters near the Comoros Islands and Indonesia, reminding us how little we know about the ocean depths.

2. Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis)

Nicknamed the “tree lobster,” this large insect from Lord Howe Island in Australia was declared extinct after invasive rats devastated its population in the 1920s. Astonishingly, in 2001, climbers found a small colony surviving on Ball’s Pyramid, a remote volcanic rock 23 kilometers away. Intensive breeding programs are now working to restore the species.

3. Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)

This lizard from New Caledonia was described in 1866 but then disappeared, leading many to assume it was extinct. In 1994, it was rediscovered after a tropical storm. Today, the crested gecko is not only thriving in the wild but has also become one of the most popular reptiles in the pet trade.

4. New Guinea Singing Dog (Canis hallstromi)

Known for its unique howling vocalizations, this wild dog was considered extinct in the wild for decades. In 2016, a population was documented in the highlands of Papua, Indonesia. Genetic studies confirmed their link to the rare singing dogs kept in captivity.

5. La Palma Giant Lizard (Gallotia auaritae)

Native to the Canary Islands, this large lizard was believed to have been wiped out centuries ago due to human activity and introduced predators. Then in 2007, researchers rediscovered individuals on cliffs in La Palma. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their fragile habitat.

Lessons from Lazarus Species

These rediscoveries underscore several scientific and conservation lessons:

• Incompleteness of surveys: Remote or inaccessible habitats may still hide survivors.

• Resilience of life: Some species adapt and persist in small refuges against all odds.

• Conservation importance: A rediscovery can spark new efforts to protect species and habitats.

However, the reappearance of “extinct” species should not lead to complacency. Most Lazarus species are still highly endangered, often surviving in small, vulnerable populations. Rediscovery is not a guarantee of survival—it is a second chance that requires action.

The stories of the coelacanth, the Lord Howe stick insect, and many others remind us that extinction is sometimes declared too soon, and that the natural world still holds mysteries beyond our expectations. These rare rediscoveries give hope, but also emphasize the urgency of conservation. Protecting habitats, supporting biodiversity research, and preventing further extinctions remain critical if we want to ensure that today’s endangered species do not become tomorrow’s permanent losses.