Thought to be extinct for more than 86 years, De Winton's Golden Mole stunned scientists when it was rediscovered beneath the sand dunes of South Africa. Discover the incredible story of one of the world's most elusive mammals.
A Mammal Lost to Time
For more than eight decades, scientists believed De Winton's Golden Mole had disappeared forever.
The tiny mammal had not been officially recorded since 1937.
Generation after generation of researchers searched for signs of its existence, but every expedition ended in disappointment.
Many feared that the species had quietly slipped into extinction.
Then, in 2023, everything changed.
Scientists announced that De Winton's Golden Mole had been rediscovered, ending one of the longest searches for a lost mammal. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
A Blind Animal That Swims Through Sand
Unlike ordinary moles, De Winton's Golden Mole does not dig large underground tunnels.
Instead, it "swims" through loose coastal sand using its powerful front claws.
Its silky fur is coated with natural oils that help it glide effortlessly beneath the surface.
Even more unusual, the mole is almost completely blind.
Rather than relying on sight, it detects tiny vibrations in the ground to locate insects and avoid danger. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why Was It So Difficult to Find?
One reason the species remained hidden for so long is its unique lifestyle.
Because it moves through loose sand instead of building permanent tunnels, it leaves very few signs behind.
It spends nearly its entire life underground and rarely appears on the surface.
This made it one of the most difficult mammals on Earth to study.
De Winton's Golden Mole — A critically endangered mammal rediscovered after disappearing from scientific records for more than 86 years. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Search That Changed Everything
Scientists refused to give up.
A conservation team worked with local communities, trained a specially skilled detection dog named Jessie, and collected environmental DNA (eDNA) from sand dunes.
Instead of searching directly for the animal, they searched for tiny traces of DNA left behind in the environment.
The strategy worked.
Genetic analysis confirmed that De Winton's Golden Mole was still alive. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why Is It Still Endangered?
Although the rediscovery brought hope, the species remains critically endangered.
Its coastal habitat faces increasing pressure from:
- Diamond mining
- Habitat destruction
- Human development
Because so little is known about the animal, protecting its habitat has become a top priority. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why It Matters
The rediscovery of De Winton's Golden Mole reminds us that nature can still surprise us.
It also shows how modern technology, including environmental DNA, is changing the way scientists search for rare wildlife.
Most importantly, it proves that even species believed lost for decades may still survive in hidden corners of the world.
Conclusion
For 86 years, De Winton's Golden Mole existed only in museum collections and scientific records.
Today, it has become a symbol of hope for conservation.
Its remarkable return reminds us that protecting wildlife is never a lost cause.
Some of nature's greatest mysteries are still waiting to be uncovered.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Re:wild, Biodiversity and Conservation, Wikipedia
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