This 'Extinct' Species Was Just Rediscovered

We thought this tiny mole was extinct, but it was just rediscovered! This is the De Winton’s golden mole. They hadn’t been seen since 1936 - until now.

Conservation scientists got help from a dog named Jessie, who was trained specifically on this mole's smell. She searched and when she stopped, the scientists would test the area for environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind as the moles move through the sand. Because our ability to collect and sequence DNA has improved so much over the last decade, “eDNA” is offering new ways to monitor animals and know who’s where - without actually needing to spot them. And in this case, realize an animal we thought was gone is still with us.

This video is part of our show Huge If True. We just made a longer episode all about supersonic planes. If you like optimistic science and tech stories, follow for more! #tech #science #animals #stem #dna

[silencedogood]

There's plenty of moles in South Africa. We call them the Government.

[janferreira]

South African here. I used to save them when I was child when the cat brought them in. So not sure how rare they are. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL BTW

[turbogames]

This is a pokemon called Swinub. Be carefull.

[steynkotze]

I live in Cape Town. I have loads of these little creeper moles in my garden. Feel free to look me up if you want to relocate them. The cause a lot of devastation to my lawn.

[liambohl]

Golden moles are not true moles. In fact, they are part of the clade *Afrotheria*, which also includes manatees, elephants, aardvarks, and tenrecs, but not true moles. The true moles of North America and Eurasia, the golden moles of Africa, and the marsupial moles of Australia are an example of convergent evolution.

[CJ_Ludwig]

I love this channel. Most of the garage that's shoved down our throats is divisive, negative, and all the threats we face from every direction. Every episode brings a smile to my face. I usually learn something new and am entertained at the same time. That's a rare treat these days. Cleo is a beautiful ray of sunshine.

[lovefrogsalot]

I love your type of channel, most channels only focus on the tragic and negative and you are such a breath of fresh air. Thank you and keep up the good work

[MaiIsStupid]

"Animals aren't extinct, they're just good at hiding." -some random person on the internet

[thedudewithvideos]

Cleo got so much excited in this video, in a way she got tears in her eyes daamn 😂😂 Cleo is always excited in every video 😂😄😍

[ankitmahar]

"They're blind and they're adorable." Never thought I'd hear such a sentence.

[FlatOnHisFace]

Most captivating voice ever. I love it... I'm entranced to listen and she says educational stuff. I can't help but to learn!

[utkarshjha]

All I can think off are the moles from Avatar that taught Toph Earth bending.

[rumi]

I always feel so happy when we rediscover animal species 😊

[justkamola]

So happy eDNA is getting recognition! I work at eDNA lab, and never met someone who would know what that is outside of our facility

[TH_HUNTR]

Hey Cleo,
Love your informative shorts ❤❤

[YoungGandalf]

How did they train the dog to find the moles' scent if it was thought to be extinct?

[Suicidalcat-]

Why is no one talking about the dog? She's a certified good girl

[shoestringfarm]

South African here. Very happy to here this

[james]

Your energy in every video is amazing!👏

[tielessin]

It's absolutely wild what dogs can perceive with their nose. They must be experiencing the world in a way unimaginable to us.