For over three decades, it was as if the Blyde River flat gecko had slipped off the face of the earth. Last seen clinging to sun-baked rocks in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province in 1991, this elusive reptile had since earned a spot on the list of “lost species” — animals known only from sparse records and presumed possibly extinct. But in a dramatic twist befitting a wildlife thriller, scientists recently announced the rediscovery of this long-lost gecko, breathing new life into hopes for species conservation in one of the continent’s most biodiverse regions.
The Blyde River flat gecko, or Afroedura rondavelica, named after the iconic “rondavel”-shaped geological formations in its native habitat, was originally discovered in the rugged canyons of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Known for its strikingly flattened body that allows it to squeeze into tight crevices in rocky outcrops, the gecko quickly drew the attention of herpetologists. But after the early 1990s, sightings stopped. Repeated surveys of the area failed to turn up any trace of the small, secretive lizard. Conservationists feared the worst — that it had joined the growing list of species quietly vanishing amid habitat loss, climate shifts, and human encroachment.
That narrative changed dramatically in late April 2025, when a team from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) stumbled upon several individuals of the species during a targeted expedition. Armed with headlamps, GPS devices, and a deep knowledge of gecko behavior, the researchers combed remote cliff faces by night — and struck gold. The geckos, still skittering silently across lichen-streaked rocks, had been there all along.
Dr. Nombuso Hadebe, one of the leading herpetologists on the team, described the moment of rediscovery with a mix of scientific restraint and raw excitement: “We saw the distinct pattern on its skin, and we just froze. There was no mistaking it — it was rondavelica. It felt like a ghost had come back to life.”
The rediscovery was more than a lucky find. It was the result of years of groundwork, including poring over old field notes, mapping geological data, and even consulting indigenous knowledge. The team hypothesized that the geckos had shifted slightly in range, avoiding areas now frequented by tourists and hikers. Their instincts proved right.
While the news is cause for celebration, it’s also a sobering reminder of the precarious state of many species that inhabit South Africa’s rich ecosystems. The Blyde River Canyon, while protected, is under constant pressure from tourism development, invasive species, and changing climate patterns. The very geological features that provide sanctuary to the flat gecko — vertical cliffs, mossy overhangs, and crevices — are also vulnerable to erosion and disturbance.
Dr. Hadebe noted that the rediscovery brings with it a heavy responsibility. “It’s a second chance, but only if we act fast. This species went unnoticed for over 30 years. If we don’t put protections in place, it could vanish again — and next time for good.”
Immediate steps are already underway. The EWT has begun working with local authorities to tighten protection around newly identified habitats. Plans are being drawn up to restrict human activity in sensitive zones and educate visitors about the fragile creatures that call the cliffs home. There’s also talk of launching a captive breeding program, though experts stress that in-situ conservation — protecting the species where it lives — must come first.
Beyond the fate of one gecko, this rediscovery has wider implications. It challenges assumptions about extinction, highlights the importance of persistent fieldwork, and underscores how little we truly know about the full tapestry of life that exists — often quite literally — in the cracks.
For conservationists, stories like this one offer a rare burst of optimism. “So many days, it feels like we’re losing ground,” says Dr. Hadebe. “But then you find something like this, and it reminds you: nature is resilient. If we give it even half a chance, it can surprise us.”
Indeed, in a world where news of extinction often drowns out the stories of survival, the return of a flat-bodied gecko to the scientific record is a tale worth celebrating. It’s a reminder that even in the most overlooked corners of the wild, life has a way of creeping back.
