Rare Fish Species Thought Extinct for 85 Years Rediscovered in India

INIndia|

Researchers have made a significant discovery by rediscovering the Chel snakehead (Channa amphibeus), a fish species believed to have gone extinct over 85 years ago. According to a study published in the journal Zootaxa, the last confirmed sighting of this species occurred during the early 20th century, with specimens collected between 1918 and 1933 in the Himalayas of India.

The recent finding, which includes three specimens and photographic evidence, occurred in 2024 along the Chel River in Kalimpong, West Bengal. The rediscovery was prompted by reports that local tribes were consuming the fish. Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante noted that extensive searches had been conducted for the Chel snakehead over the decades, emphasizing the perseverance of biodiversity.

Tejas Thackeray, founder of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, which was involved in the rediscovery, stated that this finding underscores the importance of continued exploration and vigilance in conservation efforts, given that even species once thought to be lost may still exist.

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