Lost and found: 7 animals once declared extinct, rediscovered
Species once believed extinct have been rediscovered in recent years, offering hope for survival. However, many remain critically endangered and need urgent conservation efforts to thrive.
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Tiger Quoll: Believed to be extint in the wild in its range since 1950s, was rediscovered in 2013 in Australia, and has a current population of around 500 in 2025.
New Guinea Singing Dog: Known for its unique vocalizations, this wild dog that was once thought extinct, was rediscovered in 2020, and has a population of around 200 in 2025.
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European Bison: Thought extinct in the early 20th century, the species was rediscovered in remote forests of Europe. It currently has a population of around 6,000.
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Spix's Macaw: Declared extinct in the wild in 2020, this bird was rediscovered in Brazil in 2018, when a small group was found, and has a population of around 160 currently.
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Takahe: Thought extinct for 50 years, the flightless Takahe was rediscovered in 1948 in a remote New Zealand valley and has a population of around 300.
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Coelacanth: Once though to be extinct for 66 million years, this ancient fish was rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. It currently has a population of less than 1,000.
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Pinta Island Tortoise: Believed extinct after the death of the last know individual in 2012, this tortoise was rediscovered in 2019 on Fernandina Island, and is the only surviving member.