Endangered gecko rediscovered after 34 years in South Africa

In a remarkable conservation success, researchers Darren Pietersen and John Davies discovered specimens of the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko in a remote canyon in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. This species had been unseen for more than 30 years and was previously thought to be extinct. The trip, which took place in April 2025, was the result of two years of planning and navigating through the necessary permit applications to access the canyon, known for its steep cliffs and challenging environment. The last confirmed sighting of this elusive gecko was in 1991, when two male specimens were collected, leaving its status a mystery. The gecko's rediscovery involved a challenging expedition where the researchers were dropped off on a prominent rocky outcrop within the canyon, identified as a potential habitat for the gecko. After camping for three days, they successfully found between 20 and 30 specimens, capturing and photographing seven of them. This achievement not only brought excitement to the researchers but also raised hopes for formally recognizing the species, which had been listed as data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This status was frustrating for Pietersen, who has actively sought to study lesser-known species. The findings add to a growing list of species thought to be lost to science but later rediscovered, showcasing the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts. In recent years, this includes a mole not seen for over 80 years, and several other species such as a butterfly and a frog, emphasizing the vast unknowns still present within global biodiversity. Researchers assert that the collected tissue samples and data from the rediscovered gecko will crucially aid in confirming its categorization as a distinct species, potentially contributing to conservation strategies. Ultimately, this rediscovery underscores the significance of protecting biodiversity and highlights the remarkable resilience of species once believed to be lost. Conservationists are reminded of the importance of dedicated exploration efforts, as there is still much to learn about the Earth's diverse ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. A renewed focus on such species may strengthen conservation priorities and lead to better protections for endangered species in the future.