Just as remarkably, the scientists recently rediscovered the Monte Gordo grasshopper, Eyprepocricus insularis—one of the rarest insects in the world. They discovered this elusive species on the island of São Nicolau in Cape Verde. Scientists thought this species had been extinct for more than 40 years. Last sighting on record was in 1980, and Dr. Michel Lecoq pronounced the species extinct on paper in 1996. With its rediscovery this year in 2023, interest in conservation efforts for this flagship aquatic insect have experienced a resurgence.
It is known for being endemic to a single island, the brachypterous species São Nicolau grasshopper. Eyprepocnemis insularis has learned to go with the flow, thriving desiccating amid the brutal heat of the Cape Verde islands. Today, these islands face devastating drought and drying winds, putting survival at risk. According to the researchers, the finding provides important clues to the ecological and evolutionary history of the region.
The Rediscovery
On a night walk, Rob Felix and Annelies Jacobs had an excellent rediscovery. As core members of the research team investigating São Nicolau, they have become our local navigators. All was not lost as they had come with one initial purpose—to find and observe one of the world’s rarest seabird species, the Fea. They did run into a grasshopper on the road.
“During a night walk on our first evening on São Nicolau to a colony of a unique seabird species, the Fea, I stumbled upon a grasshopper sitting on the path. When I looked closer in the flashlight’s light, I immediately recognized its unique appearance. I shouted out loud: it’s Eyprepocprifas. To my surprise, correct at once because it’s not the most easily pronounceable genus name,” – Rob Felix
This surprise sighting was a huge victory for conservationists. Entomologists were thrilled as there were concerns that this species was potentially lost to extinction forever.
Ecological Significance
The rediscovery of Eyprepocoriphus insularis brings new hope for its conservation. Beyond its human history, the MAP brings to light the ecological significance of São Nicolau. This archipelago volcanic island is geologically compelling with a history that begins over five million years ago. Its distinctive biogeography has resulted in the development of multiple endemic species.
Felix mentioned that out of all these ecologies, this grasshopper had to somehow be strong enough to survive harsh ecological crises throughout the decades. Nymphs feed on the foliage of Asteriscus smithii. This indicates that Eyprepocprifas insularis is doing evolutionary damage control, and scientists are hardly just scratching the surface when it comes to understanding how.
“The rediscovery of the only endemic brachypterous (short-winged) grasshopper, Eyprepocprifas insularis, on São Nicolau provides significant insight into the island’s ecological and evolutionary history.”
While the rediscovery is indeed cause for celebration, it marks the important first step in making conservation a priority for this unique species. Now that confirmation of its existence is out of the way, researchers can start to learn more about its population status and habitat needs.
Conservation Efforts Ahead
This finding underscores the need for continued research and conservation initiatives to protect Eyprepocprifas insularis and its habitat on São Nicolau. Conservationists should be hopeful. Through targeted action, they hope to guarantee the survival of this “living fossil,” an irreplaceable component of Cape Verde’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Rob Felix noted,
“E. insularis must have been there for a very long time and has been able to withstand the severe ecological conditions.”
This finding underscores the need for continued research and conservation initiatives to protect Eyprepocprifas insularis and its habitat on São Nicolau. Conservationists are hopeful that with targeted efforts, they can ensure the survival of this “living fossil,” which represents not only a unique part of Cape Verde’s biodiversity but also a part of its cultural heritage.