With various situations occurring on earth at this time such as pollution and natural disasters, it is undeniable that it has caused many animals to be threatened with extinction.
For example, animals such as the Sumatran rhino in Malaysia have been confirmed extinct and now only about 80 species remain in the neighboring country, Indonesia.
However, some animals are said to be ‘extinct’ have been found again. According to the World Economic Forum, there are five animals that have been rediscovered.
Here is the list:
Somali Elephant Shrew
Picture: Google
The last time anyone recorded a sighting of the Somali elephant shrew was almost 50 years ago, after which, it was assumed to have become extinct. Then, in August 2020, a team of researchers and academics reported that these tiny creatures were alive and well. Even called as the Somali Sengi, this mouse-sized animal, with its distinctive elongated nose, is thriving across the Horn of Africa.
Terror Skink
Picture: Google
In 1872, French botanist Benjamin Balansa recorded the discovery of lizards while visiting the French Pacific region of New Caledonia. It is about 50cm long, probably not too hard to see. However, the terror skink has never been seen again. It was not until it was rediscovered in 2003. After being rediscovered by scientists, more research is now being conducted to find out more about the animal.
Cuban Solenodon
Picture: Google
The Cuban solenodon is a few venomous mammals in the world. But it was a missing example for some time. Although never technically extinct, its numbers are so low and sightings are so rare, that it has often been thought to be. The Cuban solenodon’s forebears were around at the same time as dinosaurs: it is “a ‘living fossil’ that hasn’t changed much in millions of years,” according to the publication Scientific American. Its bite can kill yet it lacks the strength and dexterity to defend itself or flee from danger, making it an easy target for predators. Deforestation has also contributed to its population disturbance.
Bermuda Petrel
Picture: World Economic Forum
The Cahow or Bermuda petrel, was last seen on Nonsuch Island in 1620. But here in 2020, you can watch webcam footage of them. A small number of the birds were spotted nesting in the east of Bermuda in the 1950s, and the population has since been resurrected. The Bermuda petrel is a burrowing bird and much of its natural habitat has been destroyed by sea erosion and hurricane damage. New nesting sites were constructed by the Government of Bermuda, while chicks from established populations were relocated to Nonsuch, too.
Australian Night Parrot
Picture: ABC
Another elusive bird, the Australian night parrot, was thought to be extinct after the last recorded sighting in 1912. Then, in 1990, one was found in the state of Queensland. Sadly, it was dead. It would be another 23 years before a living example was spotted by a researcher. The precise location of that sighting was kept secret to protect the birds, whose populations are now closely monitored and who live in vast wildlife sanctuaries.
Source: World Economic Forum
