An Astonishing Discovery Amidst Urbanization
Brazil has just unveiled one of its best-kept secrets: the ‘Ilex sapiiformis’. Commonly termed as the Pernambuco Holly, scientists had long believed this tree had vanished from existence. Their belief shattered when a dedicated expedition team discovered it nestled in Igarassu, Pernambuco.
Re:wild’s Relentless Pursuit
Re:wild, the renowned conservation group, championed this rediscovery. On their Instagram, they proudly declared the Pernambuco Holly as one of their “top 25 most wanted lost species”. In fact, since their Search for Lost Species initiative began in 2017, this marks their ninth successful rediscovery!
The Global Significance: Beyond Just One Species
The vastness of our planet’s biodiversity often results in many species slipping through the cracks. Re:wild and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) experts report over 2,200 species missing across 160 countries. While some have been out of sight for a decade, others, like the Pernambuco Holly, have been absent for centuries. Yet, the continuous global effort has reacquainted us with eight of the top 25 most coveted species.
Igarassu’s Transformative Journey: From Dense Forest to Urban Locale
Igarassu, where this incredible tree made its reappearance, has witnessed dramatic transformations. Decades of urbanization have overshadowed its original identity as a dense tropical forest.
The Emotional Triumph: Not Just a Scientific Victory
For Juliana Alencar, a pivotal member of the project team, this discovery rekindled her faith in nature’s ability to surprise. Describing the event as akin to “finding a long-lost relative”, the team reveled in the rarity of such an incredible moment. Gustavo Martinelli, the expedition leader, didn’t stop at just the discovery. He has grand plans to initiate a breeding program for the Pernambuco Holly.
The Future of Pernambuco Holly: Conservation and Collaboration
Re:wild emphasizes that the mission isn’t complete. The objective remains to safeguard the forests that once cradled the Pernambuco Holly and to initiate a captive breeding program. With hopes high, the team is gearing up for further expeditions, seeking local partnerships to find more of this rare species.
Spotting the Unmistakable: The White Blooms
Even in a landscape vastly different from its original habitat, the Pernambuco Holly stood out. The team identified four unique trees, thanks to their distinctive tiny white flowers, signaling hope for its future.
