Ep. 274: Let’s Talk About Lazarus Species: Animals Once Thought To Be Extinct But Are Later Rediscovered

In this uplifting episode of Well... That's Interesting, host Jill Chacha celebrates the rediscovery of several species once thought to be extinct, dubbing them 'Lazarus species' in honor of their miraculous return from apparent oblivion. The episode opens with a timely update on two marsupials—pygmy long-fingered possums and ring-tailed gliders—found alive in Papua New Guinea after being presumed extinct for 6,000 years, thanks to collaboration between researchers and local Indigenous elders. The narrative then shifts to Australia, where the northern quall, missing for 80 years, was captured on camera in a remote sanctuary, reigniting hope for conservation. Next, in Thailand’s Princess Surin Horned Wildlife Sanctuary, the elusive flat-headed cat—last seen in 1995—was photographed with its cub, proving the species is still reproducing. Finally, the episode culminates with the rediscovery of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Cyclops Mountains of New Guinea after a 60-year absence, following a grueling expedition that also uncovered dozens of new species. Each story underscores the power of persistence, Indigenous knowledge, and scientific curiosity in reversing ecological despair. The episode blends scientific wonder with emotional resonance, using the timing of April Fool’s Day and Easter to frame its central theme: resurrection. From the heart-melting cuteness of the quall to the medieval charm of the flat-headed cat and the quirky, beak-nosed echidna, the stories are both scientifically significant and deeply human. Jill emphasizes that these rediscoveries aren’t just anomalies—they’re proof that nature is resilient when protected. She closes with a powerful call to action: keep searching, keep believing, and never give up on the idea that life, no matter how lost, might still be out there.