African species rediscovered after 50 years
The elephant shrew, a little-known mammal that was thought to be extinct, has since re-appeared in Djibouti.
Although it is neither an elephant nor a shrew, the elephant shrew is as small as a mouse and related to aardvarks, manatees, and elephants.
READ: 'Tiger King' Season 2: Will they or won't they?
With its last scientific recording in the 1970's, the species was initially considered to be lost.
Miraculously, during a scientific expedition in Djibouti, a country in the Horn of Africa, the species, also known as a sengi, was found alive and thriving!
READ: Oh honey!
Steven Heritage, a member of the expedition team and a research scientist at the Duke University Lemur Center in Durham, USA, said they are thrilled to have this species back on the radar.
With the effects of climate change and regular news of animals on the verge of extinction, the news of a species that was never really lost is very welcome!
Main image courtesy of Global Wildlife