A gecko species that had not been seen in more than 30 years has been rediscovered in one of South Africa’s most inaccessible natural landscapes, bringing clarity to a mystery that has puzzled conservationists for decades.
Two field researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) located the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko during a challenging expedition into the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga Province. The reptile, first documented in 1991, had since disappeared from scientific records, with some experts questioning whether it ever existed as a distinct species.
“It was one of those conservation puzzles that never stopped bothering me,” said researcher Darren Pietersen. “Either it was lost—or it was misunderstood.”
For years, the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko had been classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “data deficient,” meaning scientists lacked enough information to confirm whether it was extinct or misidentified. The two original specimens found in 1991 were both male, and without further evidence, doubts grew about their uniqueness.
Determined to revisit the original site, Pietersen and fellow researcher John Davies spent two years planning their return. After securing multiple permits, they were airlifted by helicopter to the summit of a circular rock formation in the Blyde Canyon, flanked by sheer cliffs over 100 metres high. It was here, on this isolated outcrop, that the gecko was last seen three decades ago.
With only three days to search, the team camped atop the rock, scanning crevices and boulders for any sign of the elusive lizard. Their efforts paid off.
“We encountered between 20 to 30 individuals,” said Pietersen. “It was incredible. After all these years, we finally had confirmation.”
Seven specimens were captured, photographed, and sampled for tissue analysis, allowing scientists to validate the species’ distinct classification. Fully grown, the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko measures around 8 to 9 centimetres in length and blends seamlessly into its rocky surroundings.
The rediscovery marks a significant moment for biodiversity science in Africa. According to the Endangered Wildlife Trust, this is the fifth such rediscovery the organization has made in recent years. Others include a sand-dune mole last seen over 80 years ago, as well as long-lost species of butterfly, frog, and lizard.
“These findings are powerful reminders of how much remains unknown within our continent’s ecosystems,” the Trust noted in a statement.
As Africa continues to grapple with habitat loss and biodiversity threats, the return of species once presumed lost underscores the importance of scientific persistence and environmental stewardship.