Divers make ‘monumental' rediscovery of Galápagos species not seen in 24 years
Last seen in 2000, Rhizopsammia wellingtoni — a 'unique and well-known' black stony coral species known only from the Galápagos — was found thriving, according to a June 26 news release from the California Academy of Sciences.
'Finding something that was previously thought to be extinct is one of the most exciting discoveries a biologist can make,' Terry Gosliner, academy curator of invertebrate zoology and geology, said in the release.
The coral, known to prefer cool shallow waters like those found in the Galápagos, was first discovered in 1975, then 'abruptly disappeared' from the region when an El Niño event warmed the waters between 1982 and 1983, according to the release.
In January 2024, the team discovered more than 250 colonies near Isabela Island's Tagus Cove, including some in deeper waters than had ever been recorded, according to the release.
Experts said the 'monumental' discovery provides 'evidence that the species isn't merely clinging to survival, but thriving at multiple localities and depths.'
It is plausible that the coral species survived in 'deeper, cooler or more sheltered environments, avoiding detection during previous surveys,' according to a study published June 23 in the journal Marine Biology.
Experts said cooler La Niña conditions between 2020 and 2023 may have offered a 'reprieve from thermal stress, allowing the coral to reemerge in shallower water.'
Researchers plan to use genetic analysis to learn more about the new colonies, according to the release.
The research team included Inti Keith, Terry Gosliner and Rebecca Albright.
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