‘Lost' species rediscovered after more than three decades

A "lost" lizard species, the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko, has been rediscovered in South Africa 's Blyde River Canyon after 34 years.
It was first identified in 1991, but not seen again. That led to it being thought extinct, as well as its existence as a distinct species being questioned, as some believed it to be a juvenile of another species.
Researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust located and photographed several specimens in April 2025, confirming its distinct species status.
The development follows other recent rediscoveries by the EWT, including a mole, butterfly, lizard, and frog.
The collected data, including tissue samples, will help confirm the gecko's unique classification and contribute to its conservation.

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