Research team raises concerns about the future of the Yellow-crowned Gonolek as the species faces severe habitat loss threats.
The Yellow-crowned Gonolek (scientific name: Prionops alberti) is an endemic species found in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Notably, this bird has not been sighted in the wild for decades, leading to fears that it may be extinct.
However, recently, a team of scientists led by Dr. Michael Harvey captured the first photograph of the Yellow-crowned Gonolek after nearly 20 years.
The bird that disappeared for 20 years has unexpectedly reappeared. (Photo: Matt Brady).
This discovery is considered groundbreaking, as the Yellow-crowned Gonolek remains on the list of endangered species, threatened according to Conservation International (CI).
According to Dr. Harvey, this also sparks hope that there may still be a healthy population hidden within remote forest areas. During the expedition, the research team found a total of 18 Yellow-crowned Gonoleks at three different locations.
The photographs have since been verified by Dr. Cameron Rutt, head of the Lost Bird Project at the American Bird Conservancy.
However, the research team is particularly concerned about the future of the Yellow-crowned Gonolek specifically, and newly discovered bird species in general, due to the threat of habitat loss.
The causes stem from intensified agricultural development, as well as mining activities in the region. Additionally, the impacts of climate change play a significant role. The IUCN Red List indicates that this species may lose over 90% of its range due to climate change by 2080.
“Logging and deforestation for agriculture are deeply ravaging the forests of the Itombwe Mountains,” Dr. Harvey stated. “We are discussing with conservation organizations to make further efforts to protect the forests and the Yellow-crowned Gonolek in the area.”
This is not the first species to be rediscovered recently. In South Africa, the golden mole was spotted swimming through sand dunes for the first time in 80 years.
Meanwhile, in Europe, conservationists also discovered a living jumping spider in Portugal for the first time since the 1930s.
