CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A significant rediscovery has taken place in South Africa, where the Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko (scientific name still under study) was spotted for the first time in 34 years. This rare lizard was found in April 2025 within the rugged terrain of the Blyde River Canyon in the Mpumalanga Province, marking a remarkable moment in the study of endangered species.
About Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko
Physical Characteristics: The Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko is a small, flat-bodied lizard, reaching a full length of approximately 8 to 9 centimeters when mature. Its flattened body structure suggests an adaptation to life in rocky environments, where it can squeeze into narrow crevices for protection and hunting.
Habitat and Behavior: This gecko is likely a rock-dwelling species, specially adapted to survive in the steep, cliff-lined habitats of the Blyde River Canyon. These challenging landscapes provide both shelter from predators and a stable microclimate, which may explain its long period without detection.
Discovery and Conservation Status: Initially discovered in 1991, the Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko was not observed again until this year, leading to concerns that it might have gone extinct or was perhaps misclassified as a separate species. Given the lack of confirmed sightings, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had previously listed it as "Data Deficient", reflecting the limited knowledge about its population and distribution.
Rediscovery Expedition By EWT
The recent rediscovery was confirmed by a team from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), which conducted a focused survey in the remote, rocky outcrops of the Blyde River Canyon. This challenging area, characterized by steep cliffs and isolated rock formations, had made regular surveys difficult, contributing to the species' long absence from scientific records.
Part Of A Broader Conservation Trend
The Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko is the fifth species recently rediscovered by the EWT, adding to a growing list of "lost" animals that have been found in recent years. This list includes:
A dune mole, last seen 80 years ago,
A rare butterfly,
Another lizard species, and
A previously unobserved frog species.
These discoveries highlight the critical role of conservation efforts in protecting lesser-known and potentially endangered species, many of which are at risk of disappearing before they are fully understood.
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