1. Lord Howe Island Stick Insect – The Land Lobster
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These giant stick insects were declared extinct after rats invaded their Australian habitat. That is, until a few were found living on a single, remote rocky outcrop in 2001. Their survival story is straight out of an action movie.
2. Coelacanth – The Living Fossil
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Thought to have gone extinct 66 million years ago, this deep-sea fish shocked scientists when it was rediscovered in 1938. Nicknamed the “living fossil,” the coelacanth has remained relatively unchanged for over 400 million years.
3. Somali Elephant Shrew – Lost for 50 Years
Animalia
This adorable, long-nosed creature hadn’t been seen in decades until scientists rediscovered it in the Horn of Africa in 2020. Turns out, it was just really good at staying hidden.
4. La Palma Giant Lizard – A Canary Islands Comeback
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This reptile from the Canary Islands disappeared for centuries before being rediscovered in the 2000s. Its large size and secretive habits kept it under the radar all this time.
5. Takahē – New Zealand’s Colorful Surprise
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This vibrant flightless bird was presumed extinct for nearly 50 years until a small population was rediscovered in 1948. Conservation efforts are now helping the takahē thrive once again.
6. Terror Skink – Fierce but Friendly Reappearance
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This predatory skink, native to New Caledonia, was feared extinct after its last sighting in 1870. But guess what? It was rediscovered in 1993, proving it wasn’t going anywhere—just hiding.
7. Bermuda Petrel – The Cahow’s Comeback
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This seabird was thought to be extinct for over 300 years due to habitat destruction and predators. A small breeding population was miraculously found in 1951, and their numbers are slowly recovering.
8. Pink-Headed Duck – A Mysterious Beauty
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This elusive duck from South Asia was last officially seen in the 1940s and declared extinct. However, unconfirmed sightings in Myanmar and India keep hopes alive. Its striking pink head and mysterious status make it a legend among bird enthusiasts.
9. Pygmy Tarsier – The Ghost of Sulawesi
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This tiny primate with huge eyes was rediscovered in Indonesia in 2008, after being presumed extinct for decades. Their elusive nature makes them one of the world’s rarest primates.
10. Woolly Flying Squirrel – An Aerial Acrobat
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Living in the high-altitude forests of Pakistan, this species vanished for 70 years before being rediscovered in 1994. Its fluffy tail and gliding ability make it truly unique.
11. Fernandina Giant Tortoise – Back from the Brink
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Last seen in 1906, this Galápagos tortoise species was rediscovered in 2019, much to the delight of conservationists. A lone female was found wandering the island—an incredible testament to survival.
12. Cuban Solenodon – A Venomous Surprise
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This venomous, shrew-like mammal was rediscovered in Cuba after being thought extinct for years. Its ancient lineage dates back to the time of the dinosaurs!
13. Night Parrot – The Bird of Mystery
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This nocturnal parrot from Australia was believed extinct for over a century until it was rediscovered in 2013. It’s still incredibly elusive, making sightings rare and precious.
14. New Guinea Singing Dog – Nature’s Whistler
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Known for its unique, melodious howl, this wild dog was thought extinct in the wild until rediscovered in the 2010s. It’s now seen as a symbol of wild resilience.
15. Gooty Sapphire Tarantula – The Blue Wonder
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This stunning, metallic-blue spider was thought extinct due to habitat loss but has been rediscovered in parts of India. Its dazzling appearance makes it a favorite among exotic animal enthusiasts.
