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Prehistoric bird once thought extinct returns to New Zealand wild (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 1 year ago by anon6789 to c/science

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In New Zealand, the return of wild takahē populations marks a cautiously celebrated conservation victory, and the return of one of the world’s rarest creatures. The birds had been formally declared extinct in 1898, their already-reduced population devastated by the arrival of European settlers’ animal companions: stoats, cats, ferrets and rats. After their rediscovery in 1948, their numbers are now at about 500, growing at about 8% a year.

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[–] HappyMeatbag 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

That’s very, very cool!

I think I’ve read a story or two like this before - where a creature once thought extinct is found again. Does anyone know about how many times or how frequently this has happened?

[–] anon6789 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The only one I know off the top of my head is the coelacanth that I was thrilled to get to see a preserved one at the Smithsonian.

Here's some more examples

There's some more I found. The bird in this article is the prettiest of the list. The others may be a bit underwhelming.

[–] Devi 2 points 1 year ago

The zanzibar leopard is a good one. Quite pretty too. Millers Grizzled Languar is another.