Stories of animals once thought extinct and reappearing after centuries give moments of hope and remind us that nature can be incredibly resilient, even in the face of relentless challenges like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Many species go “missing” not because they’re gone, but because their habitats become inaccessible, their populations reduce significantly, or they’re simply overlooked.
However, when a species is rediscovered, it reignites our connection to the wild and also becomes a wake-up call for the conservation of threatened species. One such example has just been discovered in Nepal, where scientists have confirmed the presence of the Asian small-clawed otter for the first time in over 185 years. Once thought to be extinct in the region, this elusive animal is now making a comeback in its surroundings. Its rediscovery isn’t just about one species, it’s about ecosystems healing and the chance to do things differently before it’s too late.