Natural History Wanderings

Indian Defense Review reported

A once-thought-extinct species, the leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus maresi), has made an astonishing return to Rábida Island in the Galápagos, thanks to an ambitious restoration and rewilding project. This small, enigmatic reptile, measuring only about eight centimeters, had been known solely through 5,000-year-old fossils until recent years. Its rediscovery on the island has generated excitement in conservation circles, especially as this event was not just a natural occurrence but the result of carefully planned and executed human intervention. A recent study published in PLOS ONE provides detailed insights into the gecko’s return, further emphasizing the importance of these conservation efforts.

Read more: Once-Extinct Species Makes a Miraculous Return in the Galápagos