After 30 Years, Lost Gecko Species Rediscovered on South African Cliff
In a daring expedition reminiscent of elite military operations, herpetologists Darren Pietersen and John Davies from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) were airlifted to a rocky cliff edge in South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon to search for a gecko species unseen for three decades.
The Blyde River flat gecko, first recorded in 1991, had vanished from scientific knowledge, with many doubting its very existence or mistaking it for a juvenile of a similar species. Frustrated by this uncertainty, Pietersen and Davies obtained special permits after two years and launched their search.
Within just a few days camping atop the 300-foot escarpment in Mpumalanga province, they found 20–30 individuals, photographed several, and collected tissue samples for genetic analysis. This will help clarify the gecko’s classification and confirm its status as a distinct species.
Their challenging fieldwork involved navigating treacherous terrain, including encounters with hippos, snakes, and crocodiles.
The next steps include assessing the gecko’s conservation status, understanding threats, and planning protection measures to ensure this elusive species’ survival.