The World's Rediscovered Species: Back from the Brink?

摘要: Each year, numerous species thought to have disappeared are rediscovered. Yet, do these rediscoveries represent the return of viable populations or delayed extinction doomed species? We document number, distribution and conservation status rediscovered amphibian, bird, mammal globally. Over past 122 years, at least 351 been rediscovered, most occurring in tropics. These species, on average, were missing for 61 years before being (range 3-331 years). The number per year increased over time majority first documentations since their original description. Most restricted ranges small populations, 92% amphibians, 86% birds, mammals highly threatened, independent how long they when Under current trends widespread habitat loss, particularly tropics, remain brink extinction.