Extinct for 40 Years: Rare ‘Living Fossil’ Grasshopper Found Again in Cape Verde

Extinct for 40 Years: Rare ‘Living Fossil’ Grasshopper Found Again in Cape Verde

By
Casey Lee

Publish Date:May 27, 2025

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📰 The quick summary: The Monte Gordo Grasshopper, thought to be extinct since 1996, has been rediscovered in Cape Verde after 40 years, providing valuable insights into the island’s ecological history and offering a second chance for conservation efforts.
📈 One key stat: The Monte Gordo Grasshopper was rediscovered after 40 years with only a single specimen having been collected in 1980, highlighting the remarkable resilience of this rare living fossil in harsh environments.
💬 One key quote: “During a night walk on our first evening on São Nicolau to a colony of a unique seabird species, the Fea, I stumbled upon a grasshopper sitting on the path. When I looked closer in the torch’s light, I immediately recognised its unique appearance. I shouted out loud: it’s Eyprepocprifas!”

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1️⃣ The big picture: A rare insect species called the Monte Gordo Grasshopper has been rediscovered in Cape Verde after being officially declared extinct in 1996. Field biologist Rob Felix and researcher Annelies Jacobs stumbled upon the living fossil while on a trip to São Nicolau island, finding several specimens in Monte Gordo Natural Park. This grasshopper is considered a living fossil because it has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years and has few or no living relatives. Its rediscovery provides scientists with important information about the island’s ecological and evolutionary history, as this brachypterous (short-winged) species has shown remarkable resilience in a challenging environment.

2️⃣ Why is this good news: The rediscovery demonstrates nature’s remarkable resilience even in harsh, challenging environments. This living fossil has survived on the volcanic island of São Nicolau for approximately five million years despite severe ecological conditions, intense drought, and strong winds. Finding the grasshopper provides crucial insights into the island’s ecological and evolutionary history that might otherwise have been lost forever. The rediscovery creates an opportunity to study this unique endemic species, helping scientists better understand how certain organisms adapt to isolated environments. Conservation efforts can now be implemented to protect this rare species and its habitat before it truly disappears.

3️⃣ What’s next: Scientists will need to conduct more comprehensive surveys to determine the grasshopper’s current population size and distribution across the island. Conservation strategies must be developed to protect this threatened species and its habitat within Monte Gordo Natural Park. Research into the grasshopper’s ecology and biology will provide valuable information about its survival strategies in such challenging environments.

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Read the full story here: SciTechDaily – “Living Fossil” – Elusive Insect Thought To Be Extinct Rediscovered After 40 Years

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