A conservation group of scientists recently rediscovered four Pernambuco Holly trees in Pernambuco, Brazil after believing in the tree’s extinction from its native habitat for the last decade.
After searching for a week in the Pernambuco forests hoping to find any sign of the tree’s survival, they discovered the trees with little green flowers on their leaves. This species of tree is the 8th most wanted species, either plants or animals, to be rediscovered and conserved. We can hope that, after conservation efforts and dedicated rehabilitation, the species will once again flourish. With this native species becoming prominent in its habitat again, we can expect a lot of benefits for the habitat’s ecosystem. Mrs. Oakes (Science Teacher) said, “I think it can bring more natural biodiversity to its area. Plants are just as vital to an ecosystem so I hope more plant species will continue to be rediscovered.” Some benefits we could expect would be regulation of the food system and habitat, maintaining global biodiversity, and creating a healthier planet.
Since the discovery of this previously extinct tree, scientists have become hopeful that they will begin to find more species on the extinction list. Lyn Devlin (11), a member of the HVHS Environmental Club, said “This discovery shows how well nature bounces back after everything we have done to harm our world.” Some species scientists are interested in bringing back includes Caspian tigers, the Cuban macaw, the Labrador duck, the Heath hen, and more; these species are supposed to be fully extinct and are not expected to be discovered naturally, so scientists are looking at ways to bring them back scientifically. Seeing species be rehabilitated and maintained in their natural habitats supplies a feeling of hope for our Earth.
