After more than half a century without a confirmed sighting, conservationists are celebrating the rediscovery of a lizard species once thought lost to science.
Researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) have confirmed the continued existence of the Blue-tailed Sandveld Lizard (Nucras caesicaudata), a species last recorded over 50 years ago. First described in 1972, the elusive reptile was historically known to occur in parts of Zimbabwe, South Africa and central Mozambique. Since then, its complete absence from records led to it being classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List and listed as a “lost species” by conservation organisation re:Wild.
The breakthrough came during rapid biodiversity assessments in southern Mozambique’s national parks. In early December 2025, the EWT team successfully captured and photographed a Blue-tailed Sandveld Lizard in Banhine National Park, working alongside Mozambique’s Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação (ANAC) and the Maputo Natural History Museum, in collaboration with Peace Parks Foundation.
The discovery not only confirms the species’ survival but also extends its known range to Zinave National Park, opening the door for a re-evaluation of its conservation status. A tissue sample was collected to support genetic research that will help clarify the species’ taxonomic position, while further surveys are planned to better understand the size and distribution of the population.
Adding to the excitement, researchers had already spotted a second individual in Zinave National Park during a biodiversity survey in November 2025, although it could not be captured or photographed at the time.
The surveys form part of broader efforts to protect and restore ecosystems in the region and were made possible through funding from the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) via the Restoring African Rangelands Project, led by Conservation International.
For conservationists, the rediscovery is a powerful reminder that nature still holds surprises — and that sustained investment in biodiversity research can deliver extraordinary results.
