Buzz
Each year, more animals are added to the endangered species list, and many eventually vanish altogether. Deforestation, controlled fires in grasslands, and the rise of predators like dogs have only worsened the situation for many species.
The dodo bird, certain black rhino subspecies, and the quagga are lost to us forever—unless, of course, we can replicate the science seen in Jurassic Park.
But what if some of these creatures are not truly gone? Could there be a chance that some still exist? We're not expecting a T. rex to stroll down our streets, but perhaps a Tasmanian tiger might make a surprise return. Given how frequently new species are discovered, it wouldn’t be shocking to see some of these unique animals reappear.
Here are 10 remarkable examples of animals that might be making a comeback after being presumed extinct.
10. Honshu Wolf
The Honshu wolf, also known as the Japanese wolf, was the smallest wolf breed in existence. Measuring only 76–89 centimeters (30–35 inches) in length and standing about 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall, it had short, coarse fur resembling that of a coyote, short legs, and a tail that resembled a dog's more than a wolf's.
Initially identified in 1839 as a subspecies of the gray wolf, some scientists later argued that the Honshu wolf might not have been a wolf at all, but rather closely related to the dogs native to the region.
It was believed that rabies, introduced to the region by domestic dogs and cats, played a major role in the Honshu wolf's extinction. Combined with deforestation for agriculture and increasing human-wildlife conflicts, the last Honshu wolf was officially killed in 1905.
Local residents have reported spotting possible Honshu wolves along stream banks in the highlands. However, none of these sightings have been confirmed so far.
9. Thylacine
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf, was thought to have gone extinct in 1936. The 'tiger' name came from the stripes on their fur, though they were actually marsupials, more closely related to the Tasmanian devil. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, farmers actively hunted them to protect their livestock.
Our understanding of the thylacine's breeding and reproductive behaviors is limited, as most of the data comes from autopsies and observations by naturalists and indigenous hunters. Since a government bounty had been placed on the species, it's possible that some of the findings were influenced by these incentives.
Since then, numerous sightings have been reported by credible sources from mainland Australia and Tasmania. This isn’t entirely surprising, as other animals once thought to be extinct have also been rediscovered in the region.
8. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
The majestic ivory-billed woodpecker was considered extinct for decades until a man photographed one while walking through an Arkansas swamp forest. This marked 73 years since the last confirmed photograph of the bird.
While this new image has yet to be confirmed as an ivory-billed woodpecker, there are enough clues to suggest that more might exist in the area. Some believe the photo might actually be of a pileated woodpecker, as the two species can be hard to tell apart from a distance.
In 2006 and 2007, two videos taken from the Pearl River along the Mississippi-Louisiana border, along with another from the Choctawhatchee River swamp in Florida, clearly depict a large woodpecker that could very well be an ivory-billed woodpecker.
These birds grew as large as 51 centimeters (20 inches) long, with a wingspan of about 76 centimeters (30 inches). They were considered carnivores, primarily feeding on insects.
7. Chacoan Peccary
Chacoan peccaries were first identified as fossils in 1930. They are the largest of the peccary species, recognizable by the white hairs around their mouths, a shoulder stripe, and a dark band running down their backs.
These peccaries typically travel in groups. When threatened, they raise the hairs on their backs and release a fluid from their glands that signals other peccaries to stay close. They share many piglike characteristics.
In 1971, it was discovered that groups of Chacoan peccaries had been living in hiding across Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, specifically in the Gran Chaco region. The indigenous peoples of the area had known about them all along.
However, don't celebrate just yet. Hunting Chacoan peccaries is still legal, and they seem to be suffering from natural health issues. As a result, their extinction status may revert sooner rather than later.
6. New Caledonian Crested Gecko
Once thought to be extinct, the crested gecko was rediscovered in the South Province of New Caledonia in 1994. These geckos can grow up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length, both males and females alike.
The crested gecko features tiny projections around its eyes that resemble eyelashes, earning it the nickname 'eyelash gecko.' It also has a distinctive crest that stretches from the edges of its eyes all the way to the tail. Since crested geckos lack eyelids, they lick their eyes to keep them moist.
Since their rediscovery, crested geckos have made an incredible comeback. These resilient creatures can live for 15 to 20 years and are becoming increasingly popular as pets among reptile enthusiasts. However, they come with a hefty price tag, ranging from about $70 to over $400. As true omnivores, their diet includes insects, fruit, and seeds.
5. The Terror Skink
What is it about the region around New Caledonia and its mysteriously vanishing lizards? The terror skink, a relatively large lizard growing up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in length, was native to the Isle of Pines off the coast of New Caledonia.
Primarily terrestrial, terror skinks are likely nocturnal and might also climb trees. As typical of skinks, they are omnivores, feeding on smaller lizards, insects, birds, and eggs from both birds and lizards.
Terror skinks possess long, sharp, curved teeth. These lizards were believed to be extinct for over a century after only one specimen was discovered in the early 1870s. However, in December 2003, researchers from the French Natural History Museum caught, filmed, measured, and then released a terror skink.
Due to their rarity, terror skinks are still considered endangered. Their primary threats come from cats introduced by settlers and the rats that now inhabit the islands, which have become their natural predators.
4. Laotian Rock Rat
The Laotian rock rat, often called a “rat-squirrel” because of its thick, furry tail, was once thought to be a distinct species from other rats. Dubbed a living fossil, some of its remains date back 11 million years.
There has been ongoing debate about the rat’s precise genus and family. These creatures inhabit gaps between karst limestone cliffs and boulders on hillsides. Believed to be nocturnal due to their rare daytime appearances, they are herbivores that primarily feed on grass, seeds, and leaves, with occasional insects. Female Laotian rock rats give birth to just one baby per cycle.
The Laotian rock rat was rediscovered in 1996 when its meat appeared in a local meat market. Since then, several other specimens have been found, leading scientists to believe that the population may be larger than initially thought. Despite this, it remains listed as endangered and can be found in Laos' Khammouan region.
3. New Holland Mouse
The New Holland mouse was first identified in 1843, but it was presumed extinct for over a century. However, it was rediscovered in 1967 in a national park near Sydney, Australia.
These mice are found only in the Australian states of Queensland, Tasmania, New South Wales, and Victoria. The population from Tasmania tends to be slightly heavier than those from other areas.
Interestingly, New Holland mouse numbers seem to increase a few years after wildfires. As omnivores, they primarily consume seeds and fungi.
Female New Holland mice usually have one litter in their first reproductive year. In subsequent years, they can have up to three or four litters, each consisting of one to six offspring. Due to threats such as habitat loss, wildfires, and disease, the population is projected to decline by about 10% over the next decade.
2. Takahe
Similar to the pygmy tarsier, the takahe was found to be alive while researchers were investigating claims of its extinction.
The takahe was officially declared extinct in 1898, only to be rediscovered 50 years later. These flightless birds are native to New Zealand and boast stunning feathers in shades of turquoise, peacock blue, and olive green, along with strong beaks and legs marked with red.
Though incapable of flight, takahes possess wings, which they primarily use for mating displays. The primary threat to their survival has been the introduction of predators like cats, dogs, ferrets, and stoats, the latter of which have become especially abundant in takahe habitats.
Thanks to captive breeding efforts, the takahe population has steadily grown, but it remains far from abundant, and the species is still classified as endangered.
1. Pygmy Tarsier
If you ever wish to disappear from the world, the pygmy tarsier could teach you a thing or two. These minuscule primates have enormous round eyes, bare ears, long fingers tipped with sharp claws, and elongated tails that assist in balancing and gripping branches.
Native to Indonesia's cloud forests above 1,800 meters (5,900 ft), pygmy tarsiers primarily inhabit the forest floor around pine saplings. Declared extinct by 1930 when no specimens were found, their existence seemed lost.
However, 80 years later, an expedition set out to confirm their extinction. To their surprise, pygmy tarsiers were found! These creatures are experts at hiding due to their minuscule size (just 10 centimeters or 4 inches) and their nocturnal habits. Although some might wish to keep a pygmy tarsier as a pet, it is prohibited in most countries. Only four have been found and fitted with radio collars.
