Scientists Find a Golden Mole Which Was Named Extinct Before!

Just when we thought we knew all there was to know about the animal kingdom, a fascinating creature makes a surprising reappearance. Scientists have discovered a golden mole.

A creature who was thought to be long thought to be extinct was found not only alive but thriving in an unexpected location. This intriguing scenario recently unfolded on a tranquil South African beach, where a remarkable find has sparked curiosity and excitement among researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Scientists Discover “Extinct” Golden Mole

Conservationists and geneticists in South Africa have rediscovered the De Winton’s golden mole. This is a species lost to science for nearly 90 years. Known for its iridescent coat and unique sand-swimming ability, the mole was last seen in 1936. It was believed to be extinct until its recent rediscovery by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the University of Pretoria.

The De Winton’s golden mole, a South African mammal, is the eleventh globally sought-after lost species to be rediscovered since the launch of Re: Wild’s Search for Lost Species in 2017. Scientists employed unconventional methods to rediscover this Afrotherian species, which was detailed in a paper published in Biodiversity and Conservation.

The Detection of De Winton’s Golden Mole

Esther Matthew, senior field officer at Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), described the search for De Winton’s golden mole as an exciting yet challenging project. Over two years, the EWT dedicated efforts to locating the species, involving local community interviews and identifying potential habitats across South Africa’s dunes, covering up to 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) daily.

Golden moles, known for their adept burrowing and sensitive hearing, detect surface vibrations without leaving visible tunnels, reports the EWT. In June 2021, a specially trained border collie played a crucial role in discovering golden moles along South Africa’s northwest coast. By following the moles’ scent trails in the sand, the dog guided researchers to gather over 100 soil samples for study.

The Study

The study confirmed the presence of the animal, which was found exclusively on Port Nolloth’s beach. Researchers employed a novel technique using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is what animals release into their surroundings through skin cells, hair, and bodily excretions, to detect the golden moles effectively.

Samantha Mynhardt, a conservation geneticist with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Stellenbosch University, expressed confidence in their ability to detect De Winton’s golden mole using DNA extracted from soil, despite the challenges involved. Since the expedition’s start, the EWT has discovered four more populations of the species.

What do you think of these scientists’ discovery of the golden mole? Do you think there are other “extinct” animals out there?

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