Dear Nature Enthusiasts,
This week, we're diving into one of the most exciting and hopeful phenomena in the natural world: Lazarus species — organisms that seemingly come back from the dead.
What Are Lazarus Species?
Named after the biblical figure Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, Lazarus species refer to animals or plants that were believed to be extinct, sometimes for decades or even centuries, only to be discovered alive and well in the wild. These surprising resurgences challenge our understanding of extinction and highlight the gaps in our knowledge of remote ecosystems.
Notable Comebacks
- Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae): This ancient, lobe-finned fish was believed to have gone extinct 66 million years ago — until one was found off the coast of South Africa in 1938.
- Lord Howe Island Stick Insect: Once thought wiped out by rats in the 1920s, a tiny population was found clinging to survival on Ball’s Pyramid, a rocky sea stack near Australia, in 2001.
- Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus): Known only from fossils, this rodent was rediscovered alive in Southeast Asia in 2005, astonishing biologists.
Why Do Lazarus Species Matter?
Their rediscovery is more than just a scientific curiosity — it’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and the importance of continued conservation efforts. Lazarus species often inhabit isolated or overlooked environments, and their survival highlights how much remains to be discovered in our rapidly changing world. Their comeback stories offer hope in the face of biodiversity loss and extinction, sparking renewed interest in protecting fragile habitats.
A Word of Caution
While these tales are uplifting, they shouldn’t distract us from the global extinction crisis. Most species that vanish don’t return. Lazarus species are the exception, not the rule — and their stories should motivate us to act before more vanish beyond recovery.
Until next time, remember to embrace the lessons of history, but never get caught up in its cobwebs.
Warm regards,
Hugh
