A golden mole has been spotted in South Africa after disappearing for 87 years

Arabia Weather - Great news.. After scientists believed that the golden mole was completely extinct, living traces of it were found after it disappeared for 87 years in South Africa. The golden mole is a small, blind animal that has thick fur and a strong sense of hearing

After disappearing for 87 years, a golden mole was spotted in South Africa

After this species disappeared for 87 years in South Africa, a team of researchers announced the discovery of two animals of this type on the beaches surrounding the city of Port Nolloth.

The researchers, who began their study in 2021, are reacting to this remarkable discovery, which is of great importance for biodiversity conservation and a better understanding of wildlife.

The last individual of this animal species was spotted in 1936. In a statement to Agence France-Presse, Esther Mathieu, field director of the non-governmental organization “Integrated Wildlife Trust” in South Africa, pointed out the difficulty of the task of environmental defenders and genetics experts, as sites were inspected. In sand dunes at a depth of 18 kilometers per day.

This species lives in burrows that are difficult for humans to reach. Their strong senses, especially their highly sensitive hearing, which allows them to detect movements on the ground through vibrations, helped them stay away and escape from the teams that were searching for them.

Regarding the difficulty of the task of finding the mole, Matthew stated: “The tunnel that the mole digs disappears as it moves through the sand, and leaves no trace.”

Scientists used environmental DNA technology to track the presence of this animal, by collecting the genetic traces it left behind in the form of skin cells, hair, and bodily secretions.

The researchers also benefited from the assistance of dogs in the search process. Commenting on this matter, Matthew said: “The process of searching for the animal was like a crime story.”

Devin Murphy from the NGO RE:Wild added: “When we realized the mole was not extinct, we became confident that saving it was still possible.”

The mole faces extinction threats as a result of mines and the construction of residential complexes adjacent to beaches, according to conservationists.

Source: euronews