A gecko species last seen in 1991 has just reappeared in the unlikeliest of places: the exact rocky cliffside where it was first discovered. The Blyde Rondavel flat gecko, a reptile long presumed extinct or even mythical, has officially been found again after more than 30 years of silence.
The rediscovery took place in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, where two wildlife researchers were airlifted into a remote canyon and camped for three days. To their astonishment, they spotted dozens of the elusive lizards, which is living proof that the species still thrives. It’s the latest “lost” animal to be found by the Endangered Wildlife Trust, a group that’s also brought back into focus a mole missing for 80 years and several rare amphibians and insects.
Now, with fresh photos and genetic samples in hand, scientists are confirming the gecko’s classification and learning more about its habitat. Even more remarkable: the creatures were found right where they were last seen, a detail that has stunned researchers. This story is a glowing reminder that sometimes, what’s gone isn’t really gone—it’s just waiting to be seen again.